This archive report was first published on 12 July 2021.
July 11, 2021, marked a historic day for Virgin Galactic as its passenger rocket plane, VSS Unity, soared to the edge of space with billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson and his crew on board.
After years of research, tests, and perseverance, the crew of six, including Branson, reached an altitude of 88.5 kilometers above the earth, a feat that paves the way for commercial space flights next year.
With 700 people already signed up for the commercial flights, which come with a price tag of approximately Sh25 million per person, Virgin Galactic is set to revolutionize space travel.
During the one-hour flight, the crew experienced weightlessness and witnessed the curvature of the earth, a moment that must have been exhilarating for them.
However, the journey was not without its challenges, as Virgin Galactic has faced setbacks in the past, including a fatal accident in 2007 and another incident in 2014 that resulted in the loss of one of the pilots.
Despite these challenges, Branson's determination and vision have paid off, and Virgin Galactic has beaten its competitor, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, to the edge of space.
As Branson's company continues to push the boundaries of space travel, it serves as a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance.
