Virgin Galactic: meet the crew of Galactic 01 ahead of this week’s VSS Unity launch

After numerous test flights throughout the years, this week marks the first official commercial flight of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic’s “Galactic 01,” though don’t expect there to be the same big names that have frequented Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin flights. Instead, the passengers of the inaugural mission are from STEM backgrounds, as the launch looks to be more a scientific endeavour than one for pleasure. 

Launching from Spaceport America in New Mexico with a window of opportunity set for June 27 to June 29 2023, the passengers will experience a 90-minute journey including a signature air launch and Mach-3 boost to space. The spaceship gracefully flips while astronauts enjoy several minutes of out-of-seat weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth from the spaceship’s 17 windows.

In total, there will be seven people involved in the planned launch of the VSS Unity and VMS Eve; VMS Eve will be piloted by Kelly Latimer and Jameel Janjua, while VSS Unity will be piloted by experienced former U.S Air Force pilot Michael Masucci and Italian pilot Nicola Pelice. Between all four, they have a collective experience of over 300+ flights.

The four passengers aboard the first trek includes Col. Walter Villadei, who will be using his experience to prepare for a future trek to the International Space Station, Pantaleone Carlucci who will be conducting tests to determine human performance metrics in space flight, and Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi who will also be conducting tests, however these will be in the field of cognitive performance in microgravity and study liquid-solid mixing. 

They are rounded out by Colin Bennett who has the all important task - ensuring what the quality of the experience is like travelling aboard the VSS Unity. Bennett is also a lead astronaut instructor responsible for training and preparing the passengers.

What do Virgin Galactic hope to achieve with their first commercial flight, Galactic 01?

According to Virgin Galactic’s press release regarding the forthcoming inaugural voyage, the purpose of Galactic 01 is The goal of the mission is to evaluate and measure the effects of the transitional phase from gravity to microgravity on the human body. Other payloads on board will study the effect of the microgravity environment on a range of chemical and physical properties. By testing and evaluating physiological and technological responses in sub-orbital flight, the mission aims to produce insights relevant to current and future spaceflight systems and technologies.

How much will it cost to travel with Virgin Galactic?

Virgin Galactic are offering space flight reservations for future passengers for the timely sum of USD $450,000. Following an initial deposit of USD $150,000, customers will make their final payment before their flight. 

Those interested in space flight reservations (we know there are a lot of you) can visit Virgin Galactic’s website to start the application process.