Virgin Galactic completes first manned mission to space

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Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, successfully completed its first manned mission to the edge of space on June 29, marking a significant milestone for the company after two decades of dedicated efforts.

An overview of the news

• The mission had a research-oriented focus and featured two Italian Air Force personnel, Colonel Walter Villadei and Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Landolfi, who were funded by Virgin Galactic.

• Pantaleone Carlucci, an engineer affiliated with Italy's National Research Council, and Colin Bennett, a Virgin Galactic astronaut instructor, were also part of the group.

• The mission aimed to assess the flight's comfort and functionality, providing valuable feedback to enhance Virgin Galactic's rocket-powered spaceplane, VSS Unity.

• The journey began at Virgin Galactic's spaceport in New Mexico, where the passengers boarded VSS Unity attached beneath the wing of the twin-fuselage mothership, VMS Eve.

• VMS Eve accelerated down the runway and ascended to an altitude exceeding 40,000 feet before releasing VSS Unity.

• VSS Unity ignited its rocket engine and ascended directly upward, reaching an altitude of more than 80 kilometers, which is recognized as the edge of outer space by the United States government.

• During its ascent, VSS Unity achieved supersonic speeds and experienced moments of weightlessness at the peak of its flight.

• After reaching the designated altitude, VSS Unity glided back to the spaceport, entering freefall and landing on a runway.

About Virgin Galactic

• Virgin Galactic is a space venture established by British entrepreneur Richard Branson.

• The company aims to provide commercial space travel experiences to customers.

• Virgin Galactic has been in operation for over two decades, with the goal of making space accessible for non-astronauts.

• The company's spacecraft, VSS Unity, is a rocket-powered spaceplane designed to carry passengers to the edge of space.

• Unlike traditional space missions, Virgin Galactic's focus is on providing a unique and thrilling experience rather than conducting scientific research.