Virgin Galactic’s Jaw-Dropping Triumph: Tourists Soar Beyond the Skies in Historic Space Adventure! Unbelievable Moments Captured
Virgin Galactic Achieves Historic Space Tourism Flight
In a groundbreaking achievement, Virgin Galactic has marked a significant milestone by successfully launching its inaugural group of private space tourists into the outskirts of space.
This historic event unfolded as the Unity rocket plane soared into the skies from Spaceport America in New Mexico last Thursday.
Facilitating the ascent, a specially designed carrier jet-propelled the craft to an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet (around 15 kilometers). At precisely 4:20 pm BST, a pivotal moment occurred as the rocket plane elegantly detached from its carrier jet. It embarked on an extraordinary journey, ascending to an altitude just beyond 88 kilometers.
During this phase, the passengers on board experienced a remarkable period of about five minutes, during which the sensation of weightlessness enveloped them. Among the distinguished passengers on the Galactic 02 mission, a group of individuals etched their names in history.
Leading the way was a remarkable mother-daughter duo: 46-year-old Keisha Schahaff and her 18-year-old daughter, Anastasia Mayers. Anastasia, a student of physics and philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, embarked on this exceptional journey alongside her mother. Also participating in this momentous event was 80-year-old Jon Goodwin, a former Olympian.
Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being the second individual with Parkinson’s disease to venture into space. Notably, Mr. Goodwin secured his place on this voyage 18 years ago when he became the first paying customer of the company, acquiring a ticket priced at $250,000 (£195,000). As the passengers were released from their restraints, their gaze was immediately drawn to the closest windows, captivated by the breathtaking view as Earth gradually receded during the ascent.