In the presentation of the financial results of the second quarter of 2021, Virgin galactic announced the reopening of the sale of tickets to travel to space. Richard Branson’s company is betting on capitalizing on the success of the trip made last July although, clearly, the price of the tickets is still far from the possibilities of most.
As reported the company, three alternatives will be offered to consumers, but none will be economical. In fact, the initial value will be $ 450,000 per seat. While the numbers remain tremendously unique to the common people, the business remains strong. According to Virgin Galactic, until June 30 they maintained a stable flow of reserves for 600 “future astronauts.”
“In the second quarter, we made significant progress towards starting commercial service in 2022. […] Additionally, we received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand our existing launch license, marking the first time it has licensed a spaceline to take their customers into space, “said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic rides are on sale again, but for a select few
Private aerospace companies have made significant progress in their space tourism plans. Additionally, the race between Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin has spiced up both companies’ efforts a bit more. Thus, they have found many wealthy people who are willing to pay whatever it takes to be part of this phenomenon.
As we mentioned earlier, Virgin Galactic is now betting on a model with three alternatives available to its customers. As reported they can buy a single ticket, multiple packages for couples, family or friends, or the entire flight. For all offers, the starting price per seat is $ 450,000.
It is worth clarifying that the sale of tickets is not open to anyone who can pay for it at the time. The company has a list of clients previously committed to occupying a seat on space flights, who have priority. Later it will be given to those interested in reserving their seats in future space flights.
Virgin Galactic’s next flight, Unity 23, will take place in late September. It will have the participation of members of the Italian Air Force and will serve to “generate income,” according to the firm.
In accordance with CNBC, the company’s plans for commercial flights into space were postponed to the end of the third quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, there will be a hiatus until the middle of next year for maintenance on VMS Eve, the “mothership” from which the SpaceShipTwo is launched. Later there would be a test flight (Unity 24), and only afterwards, with Unity 25, would the game open for passengers who have purchased their tickets.