To The Moon

$Virgin Galactic(SPCE)$ the space tourism company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, has announced that it will conduct its first commercial manned space flight mission as early as June 27.

$Virgin Galactic(SPCE)$ jumped 16.5% on the news.

$Virgin Galactic(SPCE)$ will start its first commercial flight

This flight, named "Galactic 01," will carry researchers from the Italian Air Force and the Italy National Research Council into space. With this milestone, Virgin Galactic will enter the commercial operational phase. Several hundred space tourists have already purchased tickets for the entire 90-minute journey, which costs approximately $450,000.

Virgin Galactic has set the time window for its first commercial flight from June 27 to June 30. The VSS Unity spacecraft will be launched into space from Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA. The crew of Galactic 01 will conduct microgravity experiments in space.

Upon successful completion of the first mission, Virgin Galactic plans to execute its second commercial flight in early August, with the goal of conducting flights on a monthly basis in the future.

As for the participants in Galactic 02, the second flight, Virgin Galactic has not disclosed specific details but has hinted that it may include tourists who have placed deposits several years ago.

Michael Colglazier, the CEO of Virgin Galactic, stated that

approximately 800 people have already booked seats for future flights, representing 66 countries. The inaugural commercial flight will open the doors for passengers from around the world to journey into space.

In May, Virgin Galactic conducted a test flight, carrying six company employees to the edge of space and successfully returning them. In July 2021, Virgin Galactic sent Richard Branson into space, and since then, they have been preparing for commercial operations. However, due to upgrades in their spacecraft, the commercial flights have been repeatedly delayed. So far, the VSS Unity has completed five successful flights.

Investors hold mixed opinions after 17% rally

Some investors are very bullish on $Virgin Galactic(SPCE)$ entering commercial phase.

However, some said “sell the launch“.

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