Virgin Galactic to launch customers who bought flight tickets to space in 2005

Virgin Galactic, the aerospace and space travel company, has announced that the flight window for its third commercial spaceflight, 'Galactic 03', will open on Friday.

This marks the company's fourth spaceflight in just four months, demonstrating a consistent monthly cadence of spaceflights.

The 'Galactic 03' mission is particularly noteworthy as it features the first group of Virgin Galactic's 'Founder' astronauts.

These individuals were among the earliest customers to purchase tickets, as far back as 2005, contributing significantly to the realisation of regular commercial spaceflights.

According to company officials who spoke to Space.com via email, liftoff is scheduled to take place at approximately the same time as Virgin Galactic's previous missions, around 8:00â€ïpm IST.

However, Galactic 03 will not be live-streamed.

The trio of passengers will embark on their journey aboard Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity spaceplane. The launch sequence begins with Unity attached beneath the wings of VMS Eve, Virgin Galactic's carrier aircraft.

At an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet, Eve releases the spaceplane, at which point Unity ignites its rocket motor to ascend into suborbital space. Both Unity and Eve return to Earth for runway landings after their respective missions.

The crew members, who are part of Virgin Galactic's vibrant Future Astronaut community, represent a diverse group of approximately 800 individuals from over 60 different countries.

The 'Galactic 03' crew comprises VSS Unity Commander Nicola Pecile, Pilot Michael Masucci, and Astronaut Instructor Colin Bennett. They will be accompanied by VMS Eve Commander Jameel Janjua and Pilot Kelly Latimer.

In the past twelve weeks, Virgin Galactic has introduced eleven new astronauts to the world.

Following the 'Galactic 03' spaceflight, the customers on board will earn the prestigious titles of Virgin Galactic astronauts 014, 015, and 016.