Virgin Galactic, the spaceflight wing of UK billionaire Sir Richard Branson's company, completed the first of three key manned test flights on May 22 as it seeks to enter the commercial spaceflight market.
The VSS Unity's pilots Dave Mackay and CJ Sturckow. Credit: Virgin Galactic via Twitter
It marks the culmination of 16 years of preparation, with Galactic having stocked tickets for commercial spaceflight since at least 2005.
The news comes nearly three weeks after Jeff Bezos' company Blue Origin announced an auction for a single seat for a maiden voyage on June 20.
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The VSS Unity took off from its base in New Mexico and flew 88.5 km (55 miles) to the edge of space before returning to Earth.
The company reports 600 people have bought tickets so far since they first went on sale 16 years ago with a number of the rich and famous - including musicians and movie stars - awaiting their voyage.
The Unity was piloted by CJ Sturckow and Dave Mackay, while Kelly Latimer and Michael Masucci piloted the carrier craft that aided liftoff.
This marked the third time the company, which was founded in 2004, performed a flight into space.
Sir Richard Tweeted: "Delighted to be on the flightline to watch VirginGalactic’s first human spaceflight from the majestic Spaceport America."
This comes at a crucial time for Branson, forming part of what has been referred to as the "billionaire space race," seeing Virgin, Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX vying to be the first to capitalise on the commercial spaceflight craze.
The VSS Unity in-flight. Credit: Virgin Galactic via YouTube
The company fulfilled a number of test objectives during this flight, including research experiments as part of NASA's Flight Opportunities programme, collected data for verification reports needed for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) spacecraft operators licence and tested and upgraded the crafts horizontal stabilisers.
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"We will immediately begin processing the data gained from this successful test flight, and we look forward to sharing news on our next planned milestone,” said Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier. "Space travel is a bold and adventurous endeavour, and I am incredibly proud of our talented team for making the dream of private space travel a reality.
“Today’s flight showcased the inherent elegance and safety of our spaceflight system while marking a major step forward for both Virgin Galactic and human spaceflight in New Mexico," he added.
To celebrate the first test flight, New Mexico's flag was displayed on the exterior of the ship.
It marks fifteen years since the New Mexico spaceport was founded to achieve this very goal, Branson said.
Branson, who witnessed the flight from the ground, added this marks "an important milestone for both Virgin Galactic and New Mexico," adding that he was grateful for the "support from the people of New Mexico" which he claims made the flight possible.
New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham said the flight marks New Mexico's "scientific legacy."
She added: "We are on the cutting edge, the forefront of innovation, and I plan to do everything in my power to keep us there, taking full advantage of our robust economic and scientific potential."
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The next test flight will see four Virgin Galactic employees join the pilots in the test flight.
The following flight will see Branson himself make the trip in order to ensure the company is ready to operate commercial flights.
A YouTube clip detailing the flight. Credit: Virgin Galactic
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