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Virgin Galactic

Spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson

Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, aims to provide suborbital spaceflights. The company operates from California and New Mexico, launching spacecraft from a carrier airplane. Virgin Galactic achieved its first suborbital space flight in 2018 and plans to offer commercial space tourism. Ticket sales opened in 2022 for $450,000, with about 700 customers as of November 2021. The company aspires to have three launches per month by 2023.

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Timeline

Founding of Virgin Atlantic

In 1984, Richard Branson founded Virgin Atlantic with the vision of improving the flying experience for passengers. This marked his entry into the aviation industry.

Announcement of X Prize Foundation Award

In 1996, the X Prize Foundation announced a $10 million award for the first privately owned spacecraft to fly at least 3 people into space twice within two weeks, leading to the birth of Virgin Galactic.

Registration of Virgin Galactic Company

In 1999, Richard Branson registered the Virgin Galactic Company with the aim of providing commercial suborbital flights to space, following the announcement of the X Prize.

SpaceShipOne successful flight into space

SpaceShipOne successfully completed a flight into space on June 21, 2004.

SpaceShipOne Wins Ansari X Prize

On October 4th, 2004, SpaceShipOne completed its first flight, reaching an altitude of over 100 kilometers and winning the Ansari X Prize. This marked a significant milestone in the development of spacecraft for Virgin Galactic's space tourism endeavors.

Formation of Virgin Galactic

In July 2005, Richard Branson and Burt Rutan established a company under Scaled Composites and Virgin Group, which later became Virgin Galactic. The Virgin Group eventually gained full ownership of the company.

Spaceport America Offer

In December 2005, New Mexico offered Spaceport America, a $225 million facility funded by taxpayers, to Virgin Galactic as their headquarters for test flights and spaceflights.

Accident at Mojave

Three Scaled Composites employees were killed in an accident in Mojave on 26 July 2007, during a test of the rocket plane. The accident led to delays in the program.

Commencement of sub-space test flights

In July 2008, Richard Branson predicted the maiden space voyage for SpaceShipTwo would occur within 18 months. This marked the beginning of the testing phase for the suborbital journey.

Unveiling of SpaceShipTwo

SpaceShipTwo was officially unveiled to the public at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. It is a suborbital spaceplane designed for private passenger-carrying service.

Virgin Galactic aircrafts flying together

In March 2010, both aircraft of Virgin Galactic flew together, showcasing the progress of the company's development.

First Crew Test Flight

In July 2010, Virgin Galactic conducted the first test flight for the crew flight, while also focusing on attracting customers for future spaceflights.

Opening of Spaceport America Runway

In October 2010, the 3,000 m runway at Spaceport America was opened, with SpaceShipTwo 'VSS Enterprise' being transported to the site.

Development of LauncherOne liquid-fueled rocket

In 2011, Virgin Galactic worked on the development of the LauncherOne liquid-fueled rocket, demonstrating their dedication to advancing space technology.

Public Announcement of LauncherOne

In July 2012, Virgin Galactic publicly announced LauncherOne, an expendable, two-stage, liquid-fueled rocket designed to be air-launched from White Knight Two.

First Powered Test Flight of SpaceShipTwo

After nearly three years of unpowered testing, the first SpaceShipTwo constructed successfully performed its first powered test flight. This marked a significant milestone in the development of commercial space travel.

Richard Branson announces plan to be aboard first public flight of SpaceShipTwo

On May 14, 2013, Richard Branson revealed on Virgin Radio Dubai's Kris Fade Morning Show that he intended to be on the first public flight of SpaceShipTwo, which was rescheduled to December 25, 2013. He even joked about dressing up as Father Christmas for the occasion.

Third rocket-powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo

On January 10, 2014, the third rocket-powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo successfully tested the spaceship's Reaction Control System (RCS) and the newly installed thermal protection coating on the vehicle's tail booms.

Abandonment of Sierra Nevada Corporation nitrous-oxide-rubber motor for SpaceShipTwo

Virgin Galactic announced on May 23, 2014, that they had abandoned the use of the Sierra Nevada Corporation nitrous-oxide-rubber motor for SpaceShipTwo, opting for a polyamide grain powered motor instead.

Abandonment of Sierra Nevada Corporation nitrous-oxide-rubber motor for Dream Chaser space shuttle

On July 24, 2014, Sierra Nevada Corporation confirmed that they had also abandoned the use of the nitrous-oxide-rubber motor for its Dream Chaser space shuttle, similar to the decision made for SpaceShipTwo.

Crash of SpaceShipTwo VSS Enterprise

On 31 October 2014, the first SpaceShipTwo VSS Enterprise crashed during a test flight in the Mojave desert. The crash was attributed to the premature deployment of the craft's descent device, resulting in the death of one pilot and serious injury to the other.

Virgin Orbit spun off from Virgin Galactic for smallsat launch business

Virgin Galactic began focusing more on the smallsat launch business in 2015 due to delays in the human spaceflight program. This led to the creation of a new company called Virgin Orbit in 2017.

Unveiling of SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity

On 19 February 2016, the second SpaceShipTwo spacecraft, VSS Unity, was unveiled. It underwent ground-based system integration testing in September 2016.

Virgin Galactic modifies SpaceShipTwo's feather system for safety

Virgin Galactic made modifications to the second SpaceShipTwo, including adding an automatic mechanical inhibit device and explicit warnings in the checklist to prevent safety-critical issues with the feather system. They also adopted a crew resource management approach for SpaceShipTwo.

First powered test flight of VSS Unity since 2014

On 5 April 2018, VSS Unity performed a powered test flight, marking the first one since 2014.

First Space Flight of VSS Unity VP03

VSS Unity VP03, the second SpaceShipTwo to be built, completed its first flight to space above 50 miles altitude on 13 December 2018.

Virgin Galactic partnership with Under Armour for space suits

Virgin Galactic announced a partnership with Under Armour to create space suits for passengers and pilots of SpaceShipTwo. Under Armour also designed uniforms for Virgin Galactic employees at Spaceport America.

Transfer to Spaceport America in New Mexico

VSS Unity was transferred to Spaceport America in New Mexico in February 2020, where altitude test flights were conducted.

Virgin Galactic scraps hypersonics business

In July 2020, Virgin Galactic made the decision to abandon its plans to enter the hypersonics market, which was initially part of its business model. This change occurred when Michael Colglazier became the CEO, replacing George Whitesides.

Postponement of key test flight due to Covid-19

Due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in New Mexico, Virgin Galactic had to postpone a key test flight of its spacecraft in November 2020.

Teaser of SpaceShip III

On 25 February 2021, Virgin Galactic teased the upcoming SpaceShip III class of spaceplanes, set to follow SpaceShipTwo. The rollout of the first SpaceShip III plane was announced for 30 March 2021.

Roll out of Spaceship III, VSS Imagine

The first Spaceship III, VSS Imagine, was rolled out on March 30, 2021. Ground testing is planned before glide test flights starting in Summer 2021.

Sixth powered test flight of VSS Unity

On 22 May 2021, VSS Unity flew its sixth powered test flight, reaching an altitude of 89 km, marking the first human space flight from New Mexico.

Richard Branson's Spaceflight

On 11 July 2021, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson and three other employees rode on a flight as passengers, marking a significant moment as the first time a spaceflight company founder traveled on his own ship into outer space.

Upgrade program announcement for Unity and Eve

On 14 October 2021, Virgin Galactic announced an upgrade program for Unity and Eve, delaying future commercial flights to mid-2022.

Virgin Galactic quiet period before earnings report

Virgin Galactic did not provide comment, citing a quiet period before its February 22 earnings report. Former employees believe the company may never be profitable due to lack of a viable long-term business plan.

Virgin Galactic's Stock Price Crash

Insiders explain the reasons behind Virgin Galactic's stock price decline after the company's ambitious plan to sell tickets to the ultrawealthy for space travel.

Virgin Galactic launches its first commercial space flight

On 29 June 2023, Virgin Galactic successfully launched its first commercial space flight. This marked a significant milestone for the company in its space tourism endeavors.

Virgin Galactic Future Plans

In 2024, Virgin Galactic announces its future plans for space travel and exploration.

Generation 2 Motherships Ready

Virgin Galactic plans to have generation 2 motherships ready by 2025 for the next-generation Delta-class spaceplanes.

Virgin Galactic revenue prediction

Jefferies, an investment-banking firm, predicts that Virgin Galactic will generate $1.7 billion in revenue by 2030.

End of the Timeline
Virgin Galactic

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