Virgin Galactic to start commercial flight in late June
Virgin Galactic (SPCE) logo is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as the company begins public trading in New York, US on Oct 28, 2019.
PHOTO: Reuters
PUBLISHED ONMay 09, 2023 2:43 AM
Space-tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings said on Monday (May 8) that a four-member test flight will take place in May and that it aims to launch its first commercial flight in late June.
Shares jumped four per cent after the company said the May mission would be the final test of the spaceflight system and astronaut experience before it opens up for commercial services.
The company, backed by billionaire Richard Branson, had in May last year delayed its commercial service to the first quarter of 2023 due to supply-chain crisis and labor shortage.
After completing a lengthy upgrade for its centrepiece tourist spacecraft in February, Virgin Galactic re-opened ticket sales for spacecraft flights, setting the price at US$450,000 (S$597,000) per person with an initial deposit of $150,000.
"Returning to space is what we have all worked towards," said Mike Moses, president of spaceline missions and safety.
The mission crew will consist of Jamila Gilbert, Christopher Hue, Luke Mays and Beth Moses.
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