A Livestream hosted by The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert also featuring a performance from superstar singer Khalid. The world tuned in to see Sir Richard Branson rocket into space.
The “Unity 22” mission was the twenty-second flight test for VSS Unity and Virgin Galactic’s fourth crewed spaceflight. It is also the first to carry a full crew of two pilots and four mission specialists in the cabin, including Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson, who is testing the private astronaut experience.
Branson and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos are to become direct competitors in this industry, each offering tickets to wealthy customers for brief rides to the upper atmosphere aboard supersonic – rocket-powered spacecraft. So curious to know who the first adventures will be. Virgin Galactic has already reported that more than 600 people have reserved tickets priced at $200,000 to $250,000 so far. The company is apparently expected to reopen ticket sales soon, though at a higher price point.
To watch the entire experience, watch the previously recorded livestream below.