Virgin Galactic successfully completed its second commercial spaceflight, and it was the company’s first to feature private astronauts.
The flight of Galactic 02 lasted roughly an hour on Thursday morning, and it reached a height of 55 miles and speeds of Mach 3.0, according to the company. Virgin Galactic’s first commercial flight last month carried members of the Italian Air Force, meaning Thursday’s flight was the first to carry private astronauts.
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Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier hailed the “historic” mission as a victory for the company and science.
“Today Virgin Galactic took another historic leap forward by flying our first private astronaut mission and demonstrating how our spaceflights will broaden access to space,” he said.
“Jon, Keisha, and Ana each embody our fundamental belief that space is for everyone, and we are proud that today’s flight has inspired people and communities around the world. This is just the beginning, as we plan to continue flying monthly spaceflights while also developing our Delta Class production spaceships to scale our business.”
Along with the pilot and commander, the crew consisted of Jon Goodwin, 80, from the United Kingdom, Keisha Schahaff, 46, and Anastasia Mayers, 18, from Antigua and Barbuda.
The crew achieved a number of historic milestones, including the first women astronauts from the Caribbean, the first mother-daughter duo, the youngest person, the first Olympian, and the second person with Parkinson’s to go to space. It was also the first majority female spaceflight, as well as the largest number of women in a single space mission.
In a press conference after the flight, the crew recounted the experience. Goodwin described the experience as, “Without a doubt, the most exciting day of my life.” He said that he waited 18 years for the trip, having signed up for the flight in September 2005 — the fourth person to do so.
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The group reported what they had taken with them on the flight in their pockets, including pictures of and mementos from loved ones.
Those interested in heading to space through Virgin Galactic will need to start saving up; tickets are currently going for $450,000. However, the price was originally $200,000, which Goodwin paid, according to NBC News.
