Virgin Galactic plans to return triumphantly with a crewed flight scheduled for May.
# Virgin Galactic Returning to the Skies: A Crewed Mission to Validate Spaceflight Systems
## Background on Virgin Galactic's Crewed Missions
In a groundbreaking move, Virgin Galactic has announced plans for its next crewed mission, which is set to occur later this month. The company aims to bridge the nearly two-year gap since its historic July 2021 first and only crewed flight. This new mission will send a crew of four to space in late May, with the primary objective of validating its spaceflight system and astronaut experience before commencing commercial service in June.
## Financial Struggles and Losses
Since achieving that initial milestone in 2021, Virgin Galactic has faced significant challenges. The company reported nearly $1.5 billion in operating losses between 2018 and last year. These losses have only worsened over time, with the company burning $133 million in cash during the final quarter of last year alone. Despite these substantial financial losses, Virgin Galactic remains committed to resuming spaceflights and delivering commercial services.
## Upgrades and preparations for the Next Mission
To ensure the success of its upcoming mission, Virgin Galactic has made significant upgrades to its spacecraft and mothership, referred to as VMS Eve. The company is integrating its spacecraft, VSS Unity, into the mothership by attaching it at around 50,000 feet. This differs from competitors like Blue Origin, which employs a vertical launch method.
## Crew Members and Their Experience
The crew for this mission includes experienced individuals:
- **Jamila Gilbert**: A veteran of Virgin Galactic since 2019.
- **Christopher Huie**: Joined the company in 2016 as a flight sciences engineer.
- **Luke Mays**: A NASA veteran now serving as an astronaut instructor.
- **Beth Moses**: Has flown to space on two previous missions.
Two additional pilots, **Mike Masucci** and **John Doe**, will also be part of the mission. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring the mission's success.
## Future Plans and Goals
The company has ambitious plans beyond this mission. It aims to establish itself as a leader in sustainable space exploration by integrating reusable spacecraft technology and reducing operational costs. Virgin Galactic's goal is to make space travel more accessible, potentially offering affordable trips to outer space within 10 years.
## Conclusion
Virgin Galactic's return to the skies represents a significant step forward in space exploration. With its focus on validation, crew experience, and financial resilience, the company is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals. The success of this mission will not only mark a milestone for Virgin Galactic but also pave the way for future space endeavors.
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