Virgin Galactic was founded by Billionaire Sir Richard Branson to bring paying customers into sub orbital flight for tourist purposes.  It is also a goal of the company to use its plane, the Spaceship 2 for scientific missions and to launch small satellites.

Spaceport America, which is located in New Mexico opened up in October 2010 with huge ceremony to mark the inaugural landing on the facility’s first runway.

Passengers who want to get in on the action and fly to space will have to part with $200,000 for the trip and put down a $20,000.  There are already more than 450 ticket holders who have booked and left their deposits.

Spacecraft 2 is carried by a twin bodied carrier plane called White Knight II.  White Knight takes Spaceship 2 to a height of around 52,000 feet.  At that point, Spaceship 2 separates and  continues on until it reaches a sub orbital space.  From the time the planes separate until it lands is about 3.5 hours.  They are only in space for a very short period fraction of that time.  Spaceship 2 reaches it maximum height for approximately 6 minutes.  During this time the passengers can take off their harnesses and float through out the cabin.

It is unknown when Virgin Galactic will make its first flight, but as of know they are headed in the right direction.

Would you pay $200,000 to Virgin Galactic for 6 minutes of weightlessness?

Virgin Galactic Gearing Up For Space Industry is a post from: The Inquisitr

Yep, the future is here. Richard Branson officially christened Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport, which will house his Virgin Galactic space tourism business.

The Washington Post reports that Branson rappelled from the rafters before taking a healthy swig of champagne, christening the new spaceport. Approximately 150 people were in attendance, including New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Richard Branson said:

“It is incredible to be here today with Governor Richardson and be part of the runway dedication at Spaceport America. To see for myself how far the construction has come from when I last visited New Mexico is truly inspiring – I for one can’t wait for the grand opening… The last few weeks have been some of the most exciting in Virgin Galactic’s development. Our spaceship is flying beautifully and will soon be making powered flights, propelled by our new hybrid rocket motor, which is also making excellent progress in its own test program… We are seeing unprecedented numbers of people coming forward to secure their own reservations for this incredible experience.”

Governor Richardson added:

“We are celebrating the world’s first spaceway at the world’s first purpose-built, commercial spaceport. New Mexico is not only helping to launch the commercial spaceflight industry, but we are launching new jobs and opportunities for the people of southern New Mexico. Today marks a significant milestone on our historic and exciting journey.”

Branson said that he hopes to do several powered test flights during 2012 so that he can start sending civilians into space as soon as possible. 450 people have already purchased a ticket (at approximately $200,000 a pop) to space aboard Branson’s Virgin Galactic spacecraft.

The SF Gate reports that Branson and New Mexico officials have been working on Spaceport America for the last 6-years. The $209 million facility represents another major milestone that brings space tourism one step closer.

Are you hoping for a generous space tourism coupon day from Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic?

Virgin Galactic Spaceport Dedicated in New Mexico is a post from: The Inquisitr

Virgin Galactic has book their first suborbital flight from their southern New Mexico Spaceport and their passengers are none other than NASA officials.

Virgin announced on Thursday that NASA agreed to charter a full flight and they also asked for the option to schedule two additional flights. If all three options are exercised the three trips will be worth $4.5 billion.

According to Virgin Galactic each one of NASA’s available charters allow up to 1,300 pounds of scientific experiments to be brought about the ship.

Along with the NASA booking Virgin Galactic announced earlier in the week that former NASA executive Michael Moses has been brought on board as vice president of operations.

If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Galactic the company is owned by Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Group and co-owned by Aabar Investments PJS. Upon successful launch of their first charters the company will be the first commercial spaceline.

Virgin Galactic hopes to launch their first flight within the next year from Spaceport America which is located approximately 50 miles outside of Las Cruces.

If given the chance would you be willing to hop aboard Virgin Galactic for a quick trip into space? I wouldn’t have to think twice about it!

NASA Books First Virgin Galactic Flight is a post from: The Inquisitr

Virgin Galactic, the company planning to take tourists to the edge of space in 2009/2010 have turned down a $1 million offer to shoot a “a sex-in-space movie.”

According to reports, Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic disclosed the offer at the International Astronautical Congress Tuesday. Whitehorn said simply that “That was money we had to refuse, I’m afraid.”

Porn in space fails to reach liftoff is a post from: The Inquisitr