After the crash-landing of SpaceX's Starship prototype yesterday, Virgin Galactic will be launching its first manned test flight this weekend
Richard Branson’s space company Virgin Galactic has this week announced its plans to launch a historic manned spaceflight this weekend out of Spaceport America in New Mexico. The test flight is part one of two launches that will help propel the promising space tourism flight path.
The flight, which has been delayed for more than a month due to Covid-19 restrictions in New Mexico, will be conducted by “essential personnel only” with no guests, media, or extended operational teams on site.
“With safety as our core priority, we remain committed to completing our first powered flight in New Mexico. In accordance with local government guidelines and safety protocols, we have minimised the number of people onsite to the greatest degree possible,” explained Michael Colglazier, CEO, Virgin Galactic in a press release.
(Related: The Tatler Guide to Visiting Outer Space)