Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE), Richard Branson's space tourism company, has begun working on a new 'astronaut campus' for training customers for their $450,000-a-pop flights to the edge of space.
The company, which earlier this year put tickets to space up for sale to the public, snapped up land near to its Spaceport America site in New Mexico where it plans to start building the campus.
It plans to build the campus "concurrently" with the expansion and capacity of its fleet in New Mexico, with conceptual designs for the new facility including training facilities, accommodation and space for 'tailored experiences', as well as an observatory, wellness centre, recreation activities, and unique dining options.
"Customers who buy a ticket today will stay and train here, along with their guests, for five nights," said Blair Rich, Virgin Galactic president and chief business officer.
In May, Virgin Galactic said it planned to begin commercial spaceflights in early 2023, pushed back from its previous plans for late 2022 "due to supply chain and labor constraints".