The Successful of Galatic 02 Gives a Bright Picture of Trip to Space Business

Two space tourists with Virgin Galactic crew. (photo: twitter @virgingalctic)

JAKARTA - The first commercial space flight by Virgin Galactic, named "Galactic 02," has successfully lifted off from the space facility in New Mexico. The rocket-powered spacecraft, VSS Unity, takes three passengers to the edge of the cosmos on this historic journey.

At 10:30 a.m. local time Thursday, August 10, observers from DailyMail.com watched as the mothership VMS Eve and spacecraft VSS Unity headed toward the runway. After passing through the take-off phase, VSS Unity started its thrust engine, leaving a trail of white smoke behind it.

The craft continued to climb, exceeding a height of 50 miles above sea level, and at its highest point, "unfolding" its wings, allowing the crew to feel zero weight and enjoy a few minutes of breathtaking views of the border of the cosmos.

Join us live from Spaceport America for the #Galactic02 post-spaceflight press conference. https://t.co/gapuhIr9xl

— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) August 10, 2023

VSS Unity's design specifically allows it to reach the limits of space as defined by the US Air Force and NASA. The plane is equipped with 17 windows that give passengers a spectacular view as they soar in a zero gravity environment.

After exploring outer space, VSS Unity re-entered Earth's atmosphere and landed safely on the same runway from which it took off. The three passengers who had just experienced this extraordinary experience shared their feelings of awe with reporters. Anastatia Mayers, one of the passengers, said she had no words to describe the moment, only awe.

The mission "Galactic 02" has significance in the course of space flight, as it gives civilians the opportunity to experience what was once only a dream. Three Virgin Galactic employees were also part of the flight crew: Commander Frederick Sturckow, Pilot Kelly Latimer, and Astronaut Instructor Beth Moses.

The "Galactic 02" mission follows the success of "Galactic 01," which reached orbit in June. Although billed as the first commercial flight by Virgin Galactic, "Galactic 01" was actually a research mission and no paying customers were on board.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, himself has gone on a spacewalk with the crew in July 2021, describing it as the experience of a lifetime. Branson is the second oldest person to spacewalk, after John Glenn in 1998.

Virgin Galactic has plans to launch monthly flights into space following the successful launch of "Galactic 02," with the goal of rewarding paying subscribers as quickly as possible. While it hasn't been revealed who will be aboard "Galactic 03" or when exactly the mission will take place, it all depends on the outcome of today's launch.

Virgin Galactic is already taking orders for up to 800 customers vying for their chance to go into space, made possible by the company's inaugural mission in June. Tickets sold for 250,000 US dollars (IDR 4.8 billion) but have since risen to 450,000 (IDR 8.7 billion).