Did You Know That You Can Go to Space Without Being an Astronaut? Here’s How Much It Costs

Virgin Galactic is reportedly re-opening ticket sales after almost a decade. This gives anyone who can afford it the chance to take a trip to space! The news came after Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (SPCE) founder Richard Branson successfully rode a rocket developed by his company over New Mexico last Sunday along with three crewmembers.

Photo from Virgin Galactic on Facebook

Branson has previously pledged to be among the first people to test out the technology. Now, the company says that it is prepared to begin commercial operations in 2022. CEO Michael Colglazier reportedly told investors that it will have three offerings:

Single-seat reservations which will begin at $450,000 (about 22.8 million pesos)
Multi-seat reservations for couples, families, and friends
A full-flight buyout (all 6 seats) for a “modest premium”

The CEO also added that seats for “microgravity research and professional astronaut training” are also available and will be priced at $600,000 each.

Photo from Virgin Galactic on Facebook

Sources say that the initial round of tickets was sold for $200,000 to $250,000 (roughly 10.1 to 12.7 million pesos). More than 600 people who purchased those seats are said to be on the waiting list along with the “early hand-raisers.” These are members of the company’s so-called “Spacefarer Community” who put down a $1,000 (around 60,000 pesos) deposit in recent months. There are about 1,000 people, according to Virgin Galactic’s vice president of communications Aleanna Crane.

Photo from Virgin Galactic on Facebook

The company also reportedly revealed during an investor call last Thursday that more than 125,000 people from 190 countries have donated for “Space For Humanity”. Two seats on SpaceShipTwo will be raffled to donors of the non-profit organization whose goal is to help “democratize space”.

For updates and more information, visit www.virgingalactic.com.

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