People react as the passenger rocket plane operated by Virgin Galactic takes off, during the company's first commercial flight to the edge of space, at the Spaceport America facility, in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, U.S., June 29, 2023.
Space tourism company Virgin Galactic , founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2004, completed its long-awaited first commercial spaceflight, called "Galactic 01," on Thursday.
The three paying passengers are members of the Italian Air Force.
Virgin Galactic's start to commercial service comes after years of delays and setbacks.
Virgin Galactic has a backlog of about 800 passengers.
Persons:
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic's
Organizations:
Virgin Galactic, America, Space, Italian Air Force, Virgin, VSS Unity
Locations:
New Mexico, U.S