Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 01 Feb 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Virgin Galactic, a company that has been making headlines for its ambitious plans to make space tourism a reality, is a fascinating subject. In this comprehensive article, we delve into 25 intriguing facts about Virgin Galactic, exploring its history, mission, technology, and the future of space travel.
The Birth of Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic was founded in 2004 by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, who is also the founder of the Virgin Group, a conglomerate of more than 400 companies.
The Mission of Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic’s mission is to open space to everyone and turn the dream of space travel into a reality. The company aims to connect the world to the love, wonder, and awe created by space travel.
The Spaceline for Earth
Virgin Galactic refers to itself as the “Spaceline for Earth,” signifying its goal to provide regular, commercial flights to space for tourists, scientists, and anyone else interested in experiencing space travel.
The Spacecraft Fleet
Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft fleet includes the VSS Unity, a SpaceShipTwo-class suborbital rocket-powered spaceplane. The VSS Unity is the company’s primary vehicle for carrying passengers to space.
The Spaceport
Virgin Galactic operates from Spaceport America, located in southern New Mexico. Spaceport America is the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
The Spaceflight Experience
Virgin Galactic promises more than just a spaceflight; it offers a lifelong experience. The company provides a guided readiness program and a Future Astronaut community for its passengers.
The Overview Effect
Virgin Galactic aims to provide its passengers with the transformational experience known as the Overview Effect. This term refers to the cognitive shift in awareness reported by some astronauts during spaceflight, often while viewing the Earth from orbit or from the lunar surface.
The Unity 22 Mission
In July 2021, Virgin Galactic successfully completed its first fully crewed spaceflight, known as the Unity 22 mission. The crew included Sir Richard Branson, marking his first journey to space.
The Unity 22 Crew
The Unity 22 mission had a diverse crew, including Sirisha Bandla, who served as the researcher experience on the flight. Bandla is one of the few women of Indian descent to go to space.
The Role of Stephen Hawking
Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking was a major supporter of Virgin Galactic. He believed that taking more passengers out into space would enable them and us to look both outward and back but with a fresh perspective in both directions.
The Future Astronauts
Virgin Galactic has a growing list of Future Astronauts, individuals who have signed up to fly with Virgin Galactic once commercial operations begin. The list includes celebrities, scientists, and space enthusiasts from around the world.
The Safety Measures
Safety is a top priority for Virgin Galactic. The company’s spaceflight system is designed with multiple safety features, including a unique feathering reentry system that allows the spacecraft to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere safely.
The Environmental Impact
Virgin Galactic is committed to making space travel as environmentally friendly as possible. The company’s spaceplanes are designed to have a minimal environmental impact, with a carbon footprint per passenger comparable to a transatlantic flight on a commercial airliner.
The Virgin Galactic Logo
The Virgin Galactic logo, known as the Iris, is inspired by the iris of the human eye. It represents looking forward with a focus on the future and the beauty of observing the universe.
The Speed of Flight
Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes are designed to reach speeds of up to three times the speed of sound (Mach 3) on their way to the edge of space.
The Altitude of Flight
Virgin Galactic’s spaceflights aim to reach an altitude of approximately 300,000 feet (90,000 meters), which is officially recognized as the edge of space.
The Duration of Flight
A typical Virgin Galactic spaceflight lasts about 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. The weightless experience in space lasts several minutes.
The Weightlessness Experience
Passengers on a Virgin Galactic spaceflight get to experience several minutes of weightlessness. During this time, they can unbuckle their seatbelts and float freely in the cabin, enjoying the view of Earth from the spacecraft’s windows.
The Training Program
Future Astronauts undergo a multi-day training program at Spaceport America before their spaceflight. The training includes safety briefings, vehicle walkthroughs, and simulations of the spaceflight experience.
The Future of Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic envisions a future where space travel is as common as air travel. The company aims to operate a regular schedule of spaceflights, carrying thousands of passengers to space each year.
The Ticket Price
A ticket for a Virgin Galactic spaceflight cost $450,000. However, the price may change as the company progresses towards regular commercial operations.
The Spacesuits
Virgin Galactic has partnered with Under Armour to create custom-fitted spacesuits for its passengers. The spacesuits are designed to be comfortable, functional, and stylish.
The Mothership
Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes are air-launched from a larger carrier aircraft known as WhiteKnightTwo. This mothership carries the spaceplane to an altitude of about 45,000 feet (13,700 meters) before releasing it.
The Founder’s Vision
Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic, has a vision of making space accessible to all. He believes that space belongs to everyone and that space travel can bring benefits to humanity and our planet.
The Impact of Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is not just about space tourism. The company’s operations also have the potential to advance scientific research, improve satellite deployment, and contribute to human understanding of our planet and the universe.
Conclusion
Virgin Galactic is at the forefront of the burgeoning space tourism industry. With its pioneering technology and ambitious vision, the company is set to usher in a new era of space travel, making the final frontier accessible to all. As we look forward to the future of space exploration, Virgin Galactic is undoubtedly a name to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Virgin Galactic?
Virgin Galactic is a company that aims to make space travel accessible to all. Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2004, the company is developing a spaceflight system to provide regular, commercial flights to space.
What is the mission of Virgin Galactic?
The mission of Virgin Galactic is to open space to everyone and turn the dream of space travel into a reality. The company aims to connect the world to the love, wonder, and awe created by space travel.
How does Virgin Galactic’s spaceflight work?
Virgin Galactic’s spaceflights are air-launched from a larger carrier aircraft known as WhiteKnightTwo. The spaceplane, carrying passengers, is released at an altitude of about 45,000 feet, after which it fires its rocket motor to reach space.
What is the future of Virgin Galactic?
Virgin Galactic envisions a future where space travel is as common as air travel. The company aims to operate a regular schedule of spaceflights, carrying thousands of passengers to space each year.
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