Virgin Galactic's first commercial flight gets launch date

[Jan]

First commercial Virgin Galactic flight gets launch date

Virgin Galactic has set a target date of 29 June 2023 as the launch date for its first commercial spaceflight — Galactic 01.

The first flight will carry three Italian Air Force and National Research Council members, who will conduct microgravity research during the trip.

 

[rubber_otter]

Is it built out of carbon fibre and titanium by any chance?

 

[Brian_G]

So, not long until Star Trek ships then?

 

[Brian_G]

The company has already scheduled follow-up flights, with Galactic 02 expected to launch in August with a private crew onboard, The Verge reported.

It will fly every month after that. However, details of future missions aren’t available yet.

That's what they said about the Space Shuttles, ended up about 2 a year (or similar).

 

[leafhead]

How much serious microgravity research can they do on such a short flight? IIRC, they will have about 10 minutes of 0G.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

How much serious microgravity research can they do on such a short flight? IIRC, they will have about 10 minutes of 0G.

seeing if they can make pasta in 0G is all they need, so 10 Min is long enough

 

[Gordon_R]

How much serious microgravity research can they do on such a short flight? IIRC, they will have about 10 minutes of 0G.

More sustained microgravity than the 'vomit comet' flights, which only have 30 seconds of 0g. Seems to be a cost effective step between those, and full-scale space missions.

 

[rvZA]

50/50 chance right here right now.