Founder Richard Branson could shoot to space in early 2021, says Virgin Galactic

British flight company Virgin Galactic said that its founder Richard Branson could shoot into as first passenger of his aircraft early next year. Virgin Galactic has been working on development of commercial craft aimed at providing suborbital flights but date to take first tourists outside Earth’s atmosphere has been pushed back several times.

Virgin Galactic said in a statement that company expects to vance to next phase of its test flight program with its first powered flight from port America this fall. first powered flight will have two test pilots in cockpit and second powered flight will have a crew of two test pilots in cockpit and four mission specialists in cabin.

“Assuming both flights demonstrate expected results, Virgin Galactic anticipates Sir Richard Branson’s flight to occur in first quarter of 2021,” said company.

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development of passenger aircraft ShipTwo h a major setback after a devastating crash due to pilot error in 2014. flight will be released at high altitude by a special plane and it will blast urd with 3.5 times Earth’s gravitational force. engine will be cut off at highest point, creating a feeling of weightlessness for a few minutes, and craft will descend and glide back to port America.

Safety measures

Virgin Galactic published its second-quarter 2020 financial results and also provided an update regarding ongoing impact of COVID-19 on its business and operations. It claimed that rigorous health and safety procedures and testing protocols for its employees has been implemented, following guidelines from CDC and state and local officials.

“As always, safety remains central focus, and test flight program will progress with a step-by-step, diligent approach. Expected dates may just as Company processes data from each of its test flights,” company said.

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