The next flight of Crewed Virgin Galactic will include Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic private space company, has announced that he will be part of the crew for the next test flight. Branson will join a handful of crew members who will “help validate” the system, open the way for the launch of the future involving astronauts. Among other things, Branson said it was time for him to “assess the astronaut experience.” 

Although SpaceX and Boeing tend to get the most attention when it comes to private space projects, Virgin Galactic continues to make its own waves in the field. Back in May, the company completed a successful flight; Likewise, Virgin recently received FAA’s approval for full commercial launch licenses.

In the announcement on the company’s website today, Branson noted that there were more tests planned for the future, but it was time for him to join the crew in experiencing a process for himself. “I have always been a dreamer,” Branson said. “My mother taught me to never give up and reach early.”

Assuming everything goes on schedule, the next test flight – which will include Branson – will take place on July 11. The company’s founder is depicted in the bright blue space of Virgin next to a handful of crew. This will also mark the first time Virgin Galactic will offer direct flights throughout the world.

Branson said he would “announce something very interesting” after the crew returned to the post-flight earth. He teases that this announcement must be done by bringing other people into space, noting in his statement that: