Virgin Galactic Sets Dates for First Private Astronaut Mission

‘Galactic 02’ marks the space tourism firm’s second commercial flight with paying customers.

Jack Daleo

Friday, July 14, 2023 at 02:26 PM ET

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A view inside the capsule from Unity 25, a Virgin Galactic test flight completed in May. [Courtesy: Virgin Galactic]

Key Takeaways:

Virgin Galactic is set to launch its second commercial spaceflight, "Galactic 02," as early as August 10, following a successful maiden commercial voyage in June.
Unlike the previous research-focused mission, "Galactic 02" will be a recreational flight for three private astronauts who paid between $200,000 and $450,000 each.
The company plans to launch routine monthly flights if "Galactic 02" is successful, capitalizing on rival Blue Origin's current grounding due to a 2022 mishap.

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Virgin Galactic, no longer a virgin to commercial spaceflight after last month’s successful maiden voyage, is gearing up for its second mission with paying customers.

The space tourism venture backed by billionaire Richard Branson announced Thursday that its Galactic 02 mission may lift off as soon as August 10. Like the firm’s previous mission, Galactic 01, next month’s flight will be live streamed from launch to landing.