Video – Virgin Galactic welcomes the “new era of space travel”

It’s Monday 29th April 2013 and Virgin Galactic’s Space-Ship-Two makes its first rocket-powered flight above California’s Mojave Desert. The first step in Branson’s plan towards commercial space travel has been achieved. The rocket burned for 15 seconds after being released from the plane White-Knight-Two at 10 miles above ground, successfully travelling 1.2x the speed of sound (approx. 760 mph). The rocket, is ultimately designed for commercial service and has taken over 8 years to complete its first flight, Branson observed from the ground along with Team Galactic who’ve proven ‘just how hard rocket-science really is,’ both were applauded with eyes fixed on the vessel through powerful binoculars. Over 500 ‘Space Tourists’ have secured their seats on the first set of flights, with tickets from £130,000 each. In the words of Branson, ‘everything is possible after today!’