Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE)announced that tickets for its first public spaceflights will go on sale to the public tomorrow, at a cost of US$450,000 apiece.
An initial deposit of US$150,000 is required to reserve a seat on a 90-minute flight into the Earth’s orbit in the final quarter of the year.
“We plan to have our first 1,000 customers on board at the start of commercial service later this year, providing an incredibly strong foundation as we begin regular operations and scale our fleet,” said chief executive Michael Colglazier.
The spaceflight will launch from Virgin Galactic’s ‘Spaceport America’ site in New Mexico, following “several days of spaceflight preparedness activities,” including astronaut-specific training.
During the 90-minute journey, customers are promised several minutes of weightlessness where they will be allowed to unbuckle their seatbelts and float around while enjoying “breath-taking views of Earth”.
Those who purchase a ticket will also secure membership for the Future Astronauts community, the company said, which gives access to “money can’t but experiences, events, trips and space readiness activities”.
Virgin Galactic also unveiled its new consumer branding, featuring an representation of its spaceship, to mark the launch of public sales.
“A global, commercial spaceline demands an iconic and timeless brand. It is important that our brand represents our dynamic customer offering, and speaks to our unique experience, style and service,” said Blair Rich, president and chief business officer, commercial and consumer operations.
Rivals SpaceX’s Starship orbital launch postponed to at least the end of next month by the US Federal Aviation Administration while it carries out an environmental assessment at its hub in Texas.