AssetID: 52951118
Headline: Virgin Galactic Successfully Flies Tourists To Space For First Time
Caption: Virgin Galactic has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully launching its inaugural group of private space tourists to the fringes of space. The momentous event took place as the Unity rocket plane soared into the heavens from Spaceport America in New Mexico this past Thursday (10th August). A specially designed carrier jet facilitated the ascent, propelling the craft to an altitude of 50,000 feet (approximately 15 kilometres). Precisely at around 4:20 pm BST, a pivotal moment unfolded as the rocket plane gracefully detached from its carrier jet. It then embarked on a remarkable journey, reaching an altitude just beyond 88 kilometres. During this phase, the passengers on board experienced a captivating stretch of about five minutes in which the sensation of weightlessness enveloped them. Among the esteemed passengers aboard the Galactic 02 mission, a historic collection of individuals made history. At the forefront was an extraordinary mother-daughter duo: Keisha Schahaff, aged 46, and her daughter, Anastatia Mayers, aged 18. Anastatia, who is currently pursuing studies in physics and philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, participated in this extraordinary voyage alongside her mother. Also partaking in this momentous event was Jon Goodwin, an 80-year-old former Olympian. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the second individual with Parkinson's disease to journey into space. Impressively, Mr. Goodwin secured his place on this voyage 18 years ago when he became the first paying customer of the company by purchasing a ticket priced at $250,000 (equivalent to approximately £195,000 in current value). Once the passengers were free from their restraints, their immediate focus was directed towards the closest windows, captivated by the breathtaking view as Earth receded below them during the ascent. After savouring this awe-inspiring scene, they returned to their seats, fastened themselves in, and prepared for the journey back to familiar territory. The visionary behind this endeavour, Richard Branson, and his pioneering space company aim to offer regular monthly trips to space enthusiasts beginning in September. These transformative excursions will come with a price tag ranging from $200,000 to $450,000. This achievement marks Virgin Galactic's seventh voyage into space since 2018, but most notably, the first to involve individuals who have paid to be part of this cosmic voyage. Michael Colglazier, the CEO of Virgin Galactic, shared, "This flight embodies two of Virgin Galactic's fundamental goals: expanding access to space and inspiring individuals worldwide." He continued, "Each of these astronauts serves as a role model and a source of inspiration in their respective communities. Observing Keisha, Ana, and Jon embark on this life-altering adventure underscores the reality that space is now accessible to a diverse and global population." Reflecting on this extraordinary event, Matt Archer, the launch director at the UK Space Agency, conveyed his excitement, stating, "Today's launch signifies a pivotal moment for the global space sector, with Virgin Galactic taking a leading role." He also emphasized the perseverance required for such endeavours, adding, "The journey to space is undoubtedly challenging, and this achievement stands as a testament to the arduous work put into developing the capabilities for space exploration." Virgin Galactic's journey to space tourism finds itself in the company of others like SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, and Blue Origin, spearheaded by Jeff Bezos, who are also pioneering similar experiences for space enthusiasts.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,space, space travel, Virgin Galactic, passengers, tourist, history, historic, flight, adventure
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