WHEN WILL FLIGHTS BEGIN?+
Virgin Galactic will not commence commercial space flight operations until they
are entirely satisfied that it is safe to do so. At present there is no definitive
start date however we will learn more as testing progresses.
HOW MANY FLIGHTS WILL OPERATE?+
Initially, there will just be one flight per week. As operations progress, these
will increase in frequency as more SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwos are delivered.
HOW MANY PASSENGERS ON EACH?+
SpaceShipTwo can carry six passengers and two pilots.
CAN I CHOOSE MY FELLOW PASSENGERS?+
Despite not being able to choose who your fellow passengers are, you will have the
opportunity to get to know them during pre-flight preparations. Alternatively, you
can charter a spaceship for yourself and five of your friends.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO FLY?+
It is expected that 500 Founders and Pioneers will fly in the first full year of
operations, with numbers increasing as and when the Voyagers’ flights commence from
Year 2 onwards.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?+
The full space-flight cost is US$250,000 per person.
ARE THE DEPOSITS REFUNDABLE?+
In most cases they are fully refundable however a handling fee of 5% of Pioneer
deposits and 10% of Voyager deposits will be retained.
IS INSURANCE AVAILABLE?+
Virgin Galactic is currently in talks with major insurers but the general feeling
is that whilst insurance companies would be interested in offering commercial space
travel insurance policies to Virgin Galactic customers understandably, they want
to see the flights in operation first, to fully assess the risks. So, whilst insurance
cannot be offered to any passengers at this stage, we anticipate this will change,
although not necessarily before the first commercial flights begin.
ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?+
Reservations are only accepted for those aged 18 and over. There are currently no
upper age limits but you will need to meet minimum health and fitness requirements.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS?+
As spaceflight has, up until now, been an adventure reserved solely for professional
astronauts who are arguably among the fittest and healthiest individuals on our
planet, health is one of the key factors Virgin Galactic has carefully had to consider.
With passengers safety firmly in mind, Virgin Galactic will ask spaceflight passengers
to undergo a medical exam tailored to the individual and based on their medical
history. This will provide an accurate assessment of their fitness to fly and enable
Virgin Galactic to tailor pre-flight preparations to make sure passengers get the
best experience possible from their spaceflight. Should a passenger be unable to
fly due to health reasons their deposit will be refunded. Thus far, there are only
a few medical conditions which will categorically prohibit any individual from spaceflight.
WHERE WILL THE FLIGHTS BE LAUNCHED FROM?+
Flights will take place from Virgin Galactic’s operational headquarters at Spaceport
America in New Mexico.
WHAT ABOUT VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS?+
Flights operate from Spaceport America in New Mexico therefore normal United States
entry requirements (ESTA) will apply. There are currently no additional requirements
for space travel.
HOW LONG WILL THE FLIGHT LAST?+
The total spaceflight experience will take approximately ninety minutes from departure
to return.
CAN I BRING MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY WITH ME, TO WATCH?+
Yes you can and your guests will be accommodated at the same hotel as yourself near
Spaceport America. Please note that all travel arrangements for friends or family
wishing to join you will be at an additional cost and whilst your guests will not
be able to participate in the training programme they will be invited to Spaceport
America to watch the actual flight. Our Accredited Space Agents will happily make
any and all arrangements on your/their behalf.