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, carrying three private, recreational astronauts who each paid a significant fare.
This mission follows the company's successful inaugural commercial flight, "Galactic 01," which carried Italian engineers for research purposes in June.
If successful, Virgin Galactic plans to establish routine monthly flights, capitalizing on its temporary lead in space tourism while competitor Blue Origin remains grounded.

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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.