Esrange Space Center
April 1, 2008

Press release from Spaceport Sweden

Spaceport Sweden and Virgin Galactic progress plans for space journeys

Senior representatives from Spaceport Sweden and Virgin Galactic presented today, at a press conference at Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, their latest progress towards commercial spaceflights for private space tourists.
The press conference was opened by Dr. Olle Norberg, the initiator and chairman of Spaceport Sweden. After had welcomed everyone he handed over to Mr. Sven Grahn, senior advisor at Swedish Space Corporation, who presented his work related to the establishment of Spaceport Sweden.

We have studied very practical matters such as, for example, the suitability of the available infrastructure in Kiruna, the weather conditions, the possible flight profile for Virgin Galactic’s spaceship when operating in Kiruna, any additional infrastructure that may be needed, the regulatory framework in Sweden and Europe for personal spaceflight, and a host of other matters, said Mr. Sven Grahn.
We have not encountered any major obstacles along the way and don’t expect to do so either. Our next step will be to keep working on regulatory matters, and further defining the way we take care of space travellers and any additional infrastructure that may be needed., said Mr. Sven Grahn

Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic (VG), talked about the challenge and necessity of designing totally new and energy efficient techniques to access space, which will help to transform the applications of space at a time when civilisation needs all the technological help it can get. He also explained VG’s vision of not only offering spaceflights to the general public but also of developing a launch vehicle that could be part of a longer term development programme involving space science, payload deployment and potentially other applications yet to be defined.

A significant factor of working together with Spaceport Sweden is that, in common with Spaceport America in New Mexico which will be our primary operating base, they can, as and when we are able to operate outside the US, offer much more that just a spaceport for space tourism, said Mr. Will Whitehorn. I’m not just thinking about the unique adventures one can enjoy in the Kiruna area, but also the long experience that Spaceport Sweden has in space science with sounding rockets, (i.e.. suborbital flight performed by the Swedish Space Corporation from Esrange Space Center). They have been in this business since 1966 and have the experience, the knowledge and the infrastructure needed to launch and communicate with experiments performed in space in real time. This really matches our vision of making further use of the new technology developed by Burt Rutan at Scaled Composites in California.

Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director of Virgin Galactic, talked about the size and potential of the space tourism market which has justified VG’s faith and investment in developing the air and space vehicles and establishing the worlds first commercial spaceline. VG’s customer numbers continue to grow strongly, now around 250 firm reservations and well over $30 million dollars in deposits, with another 85000 people having registered an interest in flying with VG in the future. The customers come from a broad range of backgrounds, they cover a wide age group, and hail from 30 countries. 80 of them have started their preparations for the space flight by climbing into a centrifuge and have effectively “gone to space”. They experienced 3,5 G’s on the way up and 6 G’s on the way down.
For VG this was an essential exercise, demonstrating our commitment to passenger safety and contributing to our business plan, says Mr. Stephen Attenborough. Only two customers were unable to undertake the training, and three delayed due to treatable medical conditions. In other words, we achieved a 93% success rate, which was 10-15% higher than our original business plan projections. Overall, we proved conclusively that ordinary people can go to space, and that actually, almost of us are made of the right stuff.

Invited media spoke to a number of Virgin Galactic´s future Astronauts making a special visit to Kiruna.. Their programme was devised by the ICEHOTEL, the partner in Spaceport Sweden responsible for arranging all the unique adventures that come with a visit in the land of the northern lights and the midnight sun.

The stay here in Sweden has been fantastic so far, says Mr. Jon Goodwin, a Virgin Galactic future Astronaut. We slept in the ICEHOTEL the first night, in warm sleeping bags and in beds covered with reindeer skins. This afternoon we are looking forward to witnessing a rocket launch from Esrange Space Center and then we will continue to search for the famous northern lights together with scientists at the Institute of Space Physics. Tomorrow we’re taking a helicopter tour to the highest mountain top in Sweden (Kebnekaise) and will end the day by visiting a Sami family and taking in some of their culture and history. We will also have time for a dog sledge ride and a scooter safari to a wilderness camp where dinner will be prepared over an open fire. I must say that this is a remarkable place, even without a space trip, said Mr. Goodwin.

Virgin Group Sign Deal with Paul G. Allen’s Mojave Aerospace

Licensing the Technology To Develop The World’s First

Commercial Space Tourism Operator

London, September 27th 2004:

Today, Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin Group has entered into an agreement to license the technology to develop the world’s first privately funded spaceships dedicated to carrying commercial passengers on space flights. The technology is currently owned by a Paul Allen company called Mojave Aerospace Ventures (‘M.A.V.’) and was originally developed to fulfil Paul Allen’s vision of building the world’s first privately funded, reusable space vehicle (‘SpaceShipOne’), which will undertake its first Ansari X Prize flight later this week. The licensing deal with M.A.V. could be worth up to £14 million ($21.5 million) over the next fifteen years depending on the number of spaceships built by Virgin.

SpaceShipOne, which is solely funded by Paul G. Allen, was designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites. On June 21st Mike Melvill piloted this unique craft to a height of 100 km (62 miles) and into the history books and record books as the world’s first private manned space flight. Separately to Virgin’s agreement with M.A.V., the company has also signed a Letter of Intent to agree contract terms with Burt Rutan and Scaled Composites, to utilise the technology in building new spaceships and derivatives thereof, for the purposes of carrying paying passengers on a journey to the stars - returning to earth as astronauts two hours later.

Virgin has formed Virgin Galactic (‘V.G.’) a new company, which will become the world’s first commercial space tourism operator. It is envisaged that Virgin Galactic will open for business by the beginning of 2005 and subject to the necessary safety and regulatory approvals begin operating flights from 2007. The name was first registered and trade mark protection applied for in the mid 1990s. It is expected that around £60 million ($100 million) will be invested in developing the new generation of spaceships and ground infrastructure required to operate a sub orbital space tourism experience. Over five years Virgin expects to create around 3000 astronauts and the price per seat on each flight, which will include at least three days of pre-flight training, are expected to start at around £115,000 ($190,000). Virgin will reinvest the proceeds in developing a new generation of vehicles for further space ventures. To date the cheapest space tourism experiences in government built and taxpayer funded spaceships cost over $15,000,000 per seat.

As a prelude to these exciting developments Virgin is also very pleased to have agreed terms to sponsor SpaceShipOne on its historic Ansari X Prize flights later this week and in early October.

Commenting on the announcement, Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson said: ”We’ve always had a dream of developing a space tourism business and Paul Allen’s vision, combined with Burt Rutan’s technological brilliance, have brought that dream a step closer to reality. The deals with both their companies, being announced today, are just the start of what we believe will be a new era in the history of mankind, making the affordable exploration of space by human beings real. We hope to create thousands of astronauts over the next few years and bring alive their dream of seeing the majestic beauty of our planet from above, the stars in all their glory and the amazing sensation of weightlessness. The development will also allow every country in the world to have their own astronauts rather than the privileged few”.

Welcoming the deal Paul Allen added: “I backed the development of SpaceShipOne because I saw this as a great opportunity to demonstrate that space exploration could someday be within the reach of private citizens. Today’s deal with Virgin represents the next stage in the evolution of the SpaceShipOne concept, and will likely be the first of a number of deals that will utilize the technology developed during its creation. I am very happy to have Virgin and Richard Branson as sponsors of our X-Prize attempt and excited about space tourism.”

Burt Rutan, Founder of Scaled Composites concluded: “Apart from building SpaceShipOne for Paul and then watching it fly to space on June 21st this is one of the most exciting days of my life. Our June space flight was flown with several new technologies that address both the cost and safety of manned space flight. These, combined with the lessons learned from our SpaceShipOne research program, will enable us to develop the finest suborbital operational systems possible. I am looking forward to getting started on the development program and the opportunity to work with Virgin on taking Paul Allen’s vision to the next stage”.

It is expected that Virgin Galactic will formally commence the contractual and design phase of the project after the conclusion of the Ansari X Prize flights and start construction of the first spaceship, the ‘VSS ENTERPRISE’ in 2005.

This transaction is subject to all necessary government approvals.

Virgin Galactic Unveils Visionary Logo
Designed by Philippe Starck and GBH

London: 13th December, 2005:

Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline, is delighted to announce the creation of a visionary logo for the business. The new visual identity was created by Philippe Starck in conjunction with leading design agency GBH Design Ltd. Philippe was well placed to undertake the work, having already shown a commitment to become a founder astronaut for one of the first hundred commercial seats, which are expected to begin in 2008.

The logo is based around the human iris, as Philippe Starck explains:

“The curiosity and adventure of the human spirit exists in the vision of a human eye, from today, through millions of years of evolution, right back to the beginning of Mankind. The nebulous iris represents the infinite possibilities of this endeavour and signifies our opportunity to look back at earth from space with our own eyes for the first time. The eye's pupil incorporates an eclipse, the dawning of something new, something unique but accessible. Something far, but near.”

It is planned that the final logo design will incorporate an image of Sir Richard Branson’s iris. Virgin Galactic founder, Sir Richard Branson said: “Philippe has come up with the most fantastic logo, which encapsulates our vision of the future. When I look at the logo I am reminded of childlike awe. I believe it represents all those who will watch and be a part of the growth of this amazing new commercial aviation sector. Whether they are six or sixty, all will see and believe that a new chapter in the story of space flight has begun.”

Mark Bonner, Creative Director at GBH Design Ltd, added: “It is an honor and a privilege to work within one of the most exciting ventures in the world today. Our aim is not just to create something that represents the opportunity for an ordinary person to travel into space and to look back at the planet where we all live, but also to represent the incredible spirit of human endeavor that continues to push us all forward”.

State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor

Virgin Galactic Announces It Will Locate World Headquarters and Mission Control at World’s First
Purpose-Built Spaceport in New Mexico

LONDON, ENGLAND–Today Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial space tourism business, unveiled its new logo and announced that it will locate its world headquarters and Mission Control in New Mexico. The agreement between the State of New Mexico and Virgin Galactic calls for New Mexico to build a $200-million spaceport in the southern part of the state, on 27-square miles of state land.

“New Mexico has worked hard to bring us to their exciting new spaceport facility,” stated Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic. “The State has several factors that make it an ideal operations base: climate, free airspace, low population density, high altitude, and stunning scenery. Our team was highly impressed by the professionalism and the competitive pitch the state and its advisors developed. We look forward to working together to make the “Final Frontier” a reality for tens of thousands of pioneering space tourists. Our activities will prove the commercial viability and excellent safety technology behind private personal spaceflight and give birth to a new industry in New Mexico.”

New Mexico’s spaceport, will offer fledgling astronauts an experience that will be truly out of this world. Virgin Galactic also plans to create a five-star destination experience in New Mexico to accommodate customers, their families, and space enthusiasts.

Funding for construction of the spaceport is expected to come from a combination of state capital outlay, federal appropriations, and a local-option gross receipts tax that will be proposed to voters of southern New Mexico counties that stand to benefit from the spaceport and the resulting job growth.

The agreement between New Mexico and Virgin says the state will build and then lease to Virgin Galactic customized hangar and training facilities, and the company will pay user fees for use of the spaceport, as is customary in the aerospace industry. Virgin Galactic will sign a 20-year lease.

"When Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne won the X PRIZE in October 2004, we knew the new space industry had arrived," said Secretary Rick Homans. "And when Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin would use that same technology to fly paying passengers into space, we realized that our most important job was to convince Virgin Galactic to come to New Mexico and launch the personal spaceflight industry. This announcement is a convergence of dreams and we are proud that Virgin will be New Mexico’s anchor tenant at the world’s most exciting space tourism location.”

Description of Virgin Galactic:

Sir Richard Branson’s interest in space began when he witnessed the Apollo moon landings as a teenager. The name Virgin Galactic was first registered in March 1999 as Virgin began discussions with several fledgling private space ventures with a view to investment in the sector.

However, it was to be another three years before circumstances brought Virgin closer to SpaceShipOne and the X-Prize. Scaled Composites were in the process of constructing the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer. This was an aircraft successfully piloted non stop around the world by Steve Fossett in March 2005. Virgin saw SpaceShipOne under construction and forged an agreement with the visionary, Paul Allen, to license the technology should the craft successfully win the X-Prize.

A design for SpaceShipTwo is now in its final planning stages and construction of the commercial prototype is expected to commence in 2006 and be flying by 2008. It is expected that five SpaceShipTwo’s and two White Knight Two carrier aircrafts will be built, in order to allow 50,000 customers to experience personal spaceflight over a ten year period up to 2019.

Currently, there are 40,000 registrations from individuals from 120 countries.

Virgin has an unprecedented record of innovation, past performance in implementing new commercial ventures, demonstrated insightful leadership, and sound business planning.

History of New Mexico’s spaceport:

New Mexico’s spaceport has been in the planning stages for 15 years.

The spaceport, located in Sierra County, about 45 miles northeast of Las Cruces, and 25 miles southeast of Truth or Consequence is approximately 27 square miles of open, generally level, range land with an average elevation of 4700 feet. The complete lack of conflicting operations, facilities, and environmental constraints provides a unique opportunity to design and develop a purpose-built launch complex that meets the needs of spaceport customers.
Since the “Father of Modern Rocketry” Robert Goddard built his prototypes in Roswell in the 1930s, New Mexico has been at the epicenter of space exploration technology.

In 1946, New Mexico became the official birthplace of space in the United States when Wernher von Braun successfully launched the V2- Rocket into space from White Sands Missile Range.

Then in 1961 ENOS, a chimpanzee trained at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo New Mexico, was the first chimp launched into orbit. He successfully completed two orbits around the Earth.

In 1978 Space Shuttle astronaut training began at Northrop Strip at White Sands and NASA astronauts landed the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia at WSMR in 1982.

New Mexico was announced as the host of the X PRIZE CUP annual spaceflight exhibition in 2004, winning over Florida, California and Oklahoma. In October 2005, the “Countdown to the X PRIZE CUP” event, attracting over 15,000 people, was held in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

UP Aerospace, Inc., will launch its SpaceLoft rocket on a sub-orbital flight from New Mexico’s spaceport in March 2006.

Virgin Galactic Launches Space Club
And Invites You To Join The Galactic Quest

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Tuesday 26th July 2005:

Join the Galactic Quest!:

Who said you need to be a millionaire to experience the glory of Space?! In yet another world first, this Autumn Virgin Galactic and Virgin Games will launch the Virgin Galactic Quest game, which will give players the once in a lifetime opportunity to take a trip into space for as little as $10!

Players from around the world will pit their skills against each other to fly their spaceships as far away from the Earth as possible, using only the gravitational pull of the planets to help speed them through space, in a revolutionary skill based game designed exclusively for Virgin Galactic.

The players will have to show unearthly powers of determination and guts to maximize their craft’s speed for the ultimate prize of claiming a seat on the Virgin Galactic Spaceship - to experience the ultimate adventure of space travel - for real.

To pre-register for the Virgin Galactic Quest sign up at www.virgingalacticquest.com. Once the game is ready for launch we'll email you to begin your own Virgin Galactic Quest to win that seat to space!

The Virgin Galactic Space Club:

If Skill Games aren’t your thing but you’re interested in all things Space – do not fear – we’re going to be launching the most exciting club to ever hit the World Wide Web: The Virgin Galactic Space Club!

Coming soon to a galaxy near you this on-line community will feature Virgin Galactic updates, interesting facts, expert scientists to answer your questions, chat forums and the chance to win a ticket for a place on the Virgin Galactic Spaceship!

Simply log on to www.virgingalactic.com and register your interest. First step Virgin Galactic Space Club – next step Virgin Galactic Astronaut!

NASA AND VIRGIN GALACTIC TO EXPLORE FUTURE COOPERATION

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. - NASA officials Tuesday announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding with a U.S. company, Virgin Galactic, LLC, to explore the potential for collaborations on the development of future space systems and support to commercial human spaceflight activities.

Under the terms of the memorandum, NASA Ames Research Center, located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, and Virgin Galactic, LLC, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, will explore future collaborations in several key technical areas, including hybrid rocket motors and hypersonic vehicles capable of traveling five or more times the speed of sound, employing NASA Ames’ unique capabilities and world-class facilities.

"As we constantly seek to build upon the advances made by explorers who have come before us, we now embark upon an exciting time in space exploration history that realizes the unlimited opportunities presented by a commercial space economy," said Shana Dale, NASA's deputy administrator. "By encouraging such potential collaborations, NASA supports the development of greater commercial collaboration and applications that will serve to strengthen and enhance the future benefits of space exploration for all of mankind."

Dale is a longtime supporter of commercial space development. She is the former staff director of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics who was instrumental in the passage of the Commercial Space Act of 1998. This legislation encourages commercial space development in a variety of areas, including launch vehicles, the International Space Station and the acquisition of space and Earth science data.

"This understanding with Virgin Galactic affords NASA an opportunity to work with an emerging company in the commercial human space transportation industry to support the agency's exploration, science and aeronautics mission goals," said S. Pete Worden, director of Ames. "Our location in California's Silicon Valley provides a dynamic research and development platform for future potential collaborations with other such companies in support of a robust commercial space industry."

“We are excited to be working with NASA and look forward to future collaborations in exploration and space travel,” said Alex Tai, Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Galactic. “Commercial human spaceflight is a new and exciting industry. We are concentrating on sub-orbital spaceflight right now but are really looking forward to exploring opportunities for the future and making hypersonic point-to-point travel a reality. We take a long-term view within The Virgin Group and with Virgin Galactic we will push the boundaries of imagination further than any other industry we have so far entered – sub-orbital flights are only the beginning.” Tai added.

"This agreement is specifically aimed at future systems beyond our current sub-orbital program with The Spaceship Company (TSC) and Scaled Composites, LLC" said Tai. TSC is a joint venture between Scaled Composites and Virgin that will manufacture spacecraft for the emerging industry. Scaled Composites has responsibility for development of the prototype sub-orbital system as well as future projects for TSC.

NASA's Space Portal, a newly formed organization in the NASA Research Park at Ames, negotiated the agreement with Virgin Galactic. The Space Portal seeks to engage new opportunities for NASA to promote the development of the commercial space economy.

"This new type of private-public partnership can benefit the agency while helping to foster a new industry," said Dan Coughlin, NASA's lead for the Virgin Galactic agreement.

The memorandum of understanding will be in effect for two years and stipulates that neither NASA nor Virgin Galactic will be required to pay any fees or provide funds to support the areas of possible collaboration.

Branson and Rutan Form
“The Spaceship Company”

To Jointly Manufacture and Market Spaceships for the new
Sub-Orbital Personal Spaceflight Industry

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 27th July 2005:

Today, Sir Richard Branson (Founder, Virgin Group of Companies) and Burt Rutan (President, Scaled Composites) announced their signing of an agreement to form a new aerospace production company to build a fleet of commercial sub-orbital spaceships and launch aircraft. The new company will own the designs of the new SpaceShipTwo (SS2) and White Knight Two (WK2) launch systems that are now in development at Scaled Composites. The SS2/WK2 system will use the ‘Care-free reentry’ and the ‘cantilevered-hybrid’ rocket motor technology developed for the Ansari X prize-winning SpaceShipOne (SS1), and will license that technology from Paul Allen’s Mojave Aerospace company. The Spaceship Company will manufacture the new launch aircraft, spaceships and support equipment and market them to spaceline operators, including the launch customer, Virgin Galactic.

The Spaceship Company will be jointly owned by Virgin and Scaled, and will contract Scaled for the research, development, testing and certification of SS2/WK2. Burt Rutan will head up the technical development team.

Burt Rutan commented: “I am very excited to have agreed the terms on which we can now move forward to develop the world’s-first commercial, passenger-carrying Spaceships. This will truly herald an era of personal spaceflight first described by the visionary science fiction writers of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Richard and I share a vision that commercially-viable and safe space tourism will provide the foundation for the human colonization of space. I am looking forward, (actually looking way up!) to working together with Richard on this next exciting phase.”

Sir Richard Branson added: “I couldn’t be more delighted to announce the formation of this joint venture at the biggest private aviation event in the world. Like many millions of people growing up in the Sixties who witnessed the wonder of man walking on the moon – I dreamt that one day I too would make that ‘one small step…’! Unfortunately though, over the last three decades, many people gave up hope - luckily people like Burt Rutan never did. His vision has allowed people, like me, to dream again. But even I never dreamed as boy, that one day, I would form, with Burt, the company which will build the world’s first commercial passenger spacecraft!”

In 2001, Paul Allen contracted Scaled Composites for the research and development of the SS1 system, to fulfill his vision of flying the world’s first privately-developed, reusable space vehicle. Last year on June 21st, when Mike Melvill flew SS1 above 100 km altitude, Mr Allen forever dispelled the myth that manned space flight was the sole remit of huge Government programs. Then, on September 27th, Virgin announced the launch of Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial space tourism operator and a new era in space travel was born. Virgin Galactic was a sponsor for the two successful X-prize flights completed on October 4th. SpaceShipOne, the historic, record breaking spacecraft, will be installed this fall in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Milestones of Flight Gallery in Washington D C.

The launch customer for this new joint venture between Virgin Group and Scaled Composites will be Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson’s commercial space tourism venture. Virgin Galactic has placed orders for five SS2’s and two WK2’s, with options on further systems, thus securing the exclusive use of the systems for the initial 18 months of commercial passenger operations.

The Spaceship Company plans to make spaceflight affordable for the masses and to demonstrate the commercial viability of manned space exploration. We are dedicated to reaching that goal with the first generation of spaceship systems developed for routine, scheduled flight operations. Those systems will be environmentally friendly and will include new solutions to optimize both safety and the passenger experience. We expect that as the flight hardware matures, and is operated by competing spaceline companies, many thousands of people will experience the wonder of leaving the earth’s atmosphere each year.

About Virgin:
Virgin, a leading branded venture capital organization, is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow very successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony, to transportation, travel, financial services, leisure, music, holidays, publishing and retailing. Virgin has created more than 200 companies worldwide, employing approximately 35,000 people, in 29 countries. Revenues around the world in 2003 exceeded £4.5 billion (US$7.9 billion).

About Virgin Galactic:
The Virgin Galactic name was first registered and trade mark protection applied for in the mid 1990s. As the world’s-first commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic will be heavily investing to setup a world-class commercial flight operation and to build the ground infrastructure required to create the best possible sub-orbital spaceflight experience for its passengers.

Virgin Galactic Showcases Its Investment
in the Development of SpaceShipTwo

Wired NextFest, New York September 28th 2006:

Virgin Galactic and Sir Richard Branson today, at New York’s Wired NextFest Forum, exclusively showcased its first representative mock-up of the passenger interior of SpaceShipTwo (SS2), set in a scaled-up version of a SpaceShipOne (SS1), which reflects the size of SpaceShipTwo. SpaceShipOne was designed by Burt Rutan and financed by Paul G. Allen’s Mojave Aerospace Ventures.

SS2 will be three times larger than SS1 ( with an interior approximately the size of a Gulf Stream 4 Corporate Jet) and when developed, the carrier aircraft WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) will be larger than a Boeing 757. Virgin Galactic’s SS2 and WK2 are currently under construction at Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites at the Mojave Spaceport in California. It is expected that SS2 and WK2 will be rolled out of the factory in the latter half of 2007, to begin test flights by early 2008, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2009.

Launched in September 2004 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic will invest up to $250 million to develop the world’s first commercial space tourism business with the building, testing and flying of five SpaceShipTwos and two WhiteKnightTwos. It is expected that within the first year of commercial operations Virgin Galactic will enable 500 people to fulfil their dream of becoming Astronauts; in the last 4 decades the world has seen fewer than 500 Astronauts.

Sir Richard Branson speaking from NextFest commented: “This is an exciting day. Construction of SS2 is underway at Burt Rutan’s factory in Mojave California and this is the first opportunity for the public to get a sneak preview of the sheer scale of what is under construction there. Our vision is to successfully build the world’s first environmentally benign space launch system and prove once and for all the commercial viability of a safe space launch system that we believe will eventually be capable of taking pay load and science into space as well as people. Some of our pioneering astronauts are in New York today including the first ever frequent flyer from Virgin Atlantic to use his miles to go to space!”

Today’s representation of SS2 at the Wired NextFest Forum will give the thousands who will visit the event a feel for the sheer size of SS2. A replica of SS1 alongside the exhibit will clearly and dramatically mark the difference.

Designed by Seymour Powell, leading British product designers, the conceptual interior features six passenger seats with two pilot astronauts’ seats forward of the bulkhead. Seating in SS2 will uniquely allow the passengers a comfortable ride into space and back utilising cutting edge design to minimise the impact of G force on the body. This design, and others in development, allows our Astronauts to leave their seats and enjoy their period of weightlessness in space. The design also allows our Astronauts to witness the magnificence of the Blue planet while floating free. Vision will be further enhanced by large windows (approximately 15) strategically placed all around the cabin and even in the floor. Through instrumentation in the cabin, and by the use of handheld pods featuring wireless communications, the Astronauts will have the ability to carry out scientific experiments during their flight.

Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic added: “Although not visible in today’s mock-up there has been considerable technological development in the design of SpaceShipTwo and its carrier aircraft WhiteKnightTwo. One of the exciting features of the new system will be the ability to transport it globally from its home base in New Mexico to any location in the world where we get permission to operate. Discussions are already underway in several countries including the UK, Sweden and Australia.”

It is envisaged by both Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites that the scaling up of SS1 will provide flexibility for future development of science in space. Virgin Galactic is committed to developing an environmentally benign operation. Its planned operational headquarters at Spaceport America in New Mexico are being designed with the aim of generating power exclusively from sources of renewable energy. Both SS2 and WK2 will be built of an ultra light, ultra strong composite material, which will minimize the use of energy in the deployment of the vehicle to space. This is complimented by use of the latest technology in hybrid rocket motors and next generation turbo-fan engines for SS2 and WK2 which will radically reduce the environmental impact associated with space travel to date.

Backgrounder on Virgin Galactic:

HISTORY:

1961 – Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space
1969 – Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the moon
1996 – Original plans for the Ansari X prize announced. $10m for the first non-government human space flight.
1999 - The name Virgin Galactic is first registered as Virgin began discussions with several fledgling private space ventures with a view to investment in the sector.
2001 - Paul Allen’s vision leads to the creation of SpaceShipOne by legendary aviation designer, Burt Rutan.
21st June, 2004 – the first manned space flight by a private, non-Government programme – Mike Melvill flying SpaceShipOne
27th September 2004, Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan announce plans or the world’s first commercial manned space operator – Virgin Galactic
29th September 2004 – Mike Melvill pilots the first successful X Prize qualifying flight reaching 330,000 feet.
4th October 2004 – Brian Binnie pilots the final X Prize flight reaching a record 368,000 feet. The X Prize is won and Virgin Galactic is born
To date only 450 people have been to space (FAI Definition)

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY :

The new Virgin spaceships (SpaceShipTwo / SS2) will be based on Burt Rutan designed SpaceShipOne, X Prize winner - a tried and tested prototype.
Composite construction – very light and very strong.
Two stage horizontal launch concept – mothership “White KnightTwo” and Spaceship SS2.
Fully pressurised cabin, double skin construction
Extremely safe and controllable hybrid rocket motor
Unique wing - feathering technology to slow and control re-entry (“Care-Free Re-entry”)
Unpowered (glide) runway landing

CABIN DESIGN:

Each flight will carry 6 passengers and two pilots.
Aeroplane environment
SS2 Cabin will be fully pressurized at all stages of the flight.
Passengers will be allowed to leave their seats and experience the joys of weightlessness.
Reclining seats to minimise effects of G forces on re-entry
Every passenger will have access to large windows which will allow them to enjoy the amazing views – around 1000 miles in any direction

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) mothership climbs to 50,000 feet, carrying SS2.
On release, the rocket motor fires and spaceship accelerates in a vertical climb to nearly four times the speed of sound
Maximum altitude will be at least 110km
Wings feather to allow gentle re-entry to earth’s atmosphere
Spaceship wings reconfigure after re-entry
Glides and returns to point of departure
Astronauts receive their “wings”

Flight will last around 2 ½ hours including a period of weightlessness and preceded by 3 days of pre-flight training.

LAUNCH SITE:

Initial launch site likely to be Mojave in California, USA
Operation will then headquarter and fly from the purpose built Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA
Future plans to “tour” spaceflights to locations across the globe, including UK, Sweden and Australia.

PRE LAUNCH TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES:

Three days enjoyable preparation – The Virgin Galactic Experience – to ensure that future astronauts can savour each second of their space flight.
The interior of WK2 will replicate the SS2 interior allowing G force acclimatisation and safety training to take place on board WK2 pre the space flight itself.
Will take place in the US close to or at the spaceport
All included in the price

MEDICAL and AGE REQUIREMENTS:

General good health required
Specific screening and medical checks required before flight
Position on flying minors - tbc
No upper age limit but subject to health requirements

TICKET PRICE:

The initial ticket price stands at $200,000
Prices will fall over time to allow more to fly

HOW MANY APPLICANTS:

Approximately 65,000 have registered with Virgin Galactic as potential astronauts, from 125 different countries

SAFETY:

Horizontal launch at altitude – not vertical launch from ground
Strength of construction
Benign and controllable rocket motor propellants
Fully pressurised cabin
Two pilots
Simplicity and effectiveness of wing feathering for re-entry
Spaceship and Virgin Galactic operation will be regulated and licensed by the US Federal Aviation Authority
Rigorous and exhaustive testing regime before launch.
Reputation and airline /train operational experience of Virgin will guarantee safety is always the first priority

ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS:

Ground to 50,000 feet carried by special carrier aircraft using the latest in efficient jet engine technology.

Air launch means short rocket burn of approximately 45 seconds within the atmosphere.
Lightweight composite construction minimises power output.
Re-usable spacecraft – no space debris or wastage.
New Mexico Spaceport planned to be powered by renewable energy sources.

ASTRONAUTS:
Founders

First 100 fare paying VG astronauts
Must pay the full ticket price ($200,000) up front
Seat allocation to be decided by means of a grand draw to be held near the start of commercial operations.
Reservation list for this group now closed.

Pioneers

The next 400
Likely to be amongst the first 1,000 humans to have left the planet
Initial deposit of between $175,000 - $100,000 required
Seat allocation is on a first come, first served basis within Pioneer deposit tiers.

Voyagers

Will fly after Pioneers
Initial deposit of 10% of ticket price required to secure a seat
Seats allocated on a first come, first served basis

REGULATIONS:

Our early discussions with the United States Administration and regulatory bodies have been extremely positive and all the necessary submissions are underway to facilitate smooth progress through the construction phase. We have received enormous encouragement and support from all sides.

Text of Richard Branson’s address at launch of Virgin Galactic
Royal Aeronautical Society, London, UK – 27th September 2004

Well we’re going to space. Today is an historic day – for it will bring the dream of space travel for many millions closer to reality.

Today I’m pleased to launch our new company Virgin Galactic and to announce our plans to build - and launch – within three years the first of Virgin’s fleet of Spaceships – the VSS Enterprise. A spaceship designed to carry fare-paying pioneers on a journey to the stars.

This is one of the most unique Press Conferences I have ever had the pleasure of holding but it is one that many of us at Virgin have dreamt about for over a decade now.

It was in the mid 1990’s that the new technologies in both software, computers and most importantly, in materials began to seriously open up the possibility of commercially viable space travel. In particular these included the new plastic, carbon fibre and ultra heat resistant materials. As a result Virgin registered its trademark in commercial space flights and began to look at private space projects around the world.

As I saw on visit after visit around the world most of the ideas were hopelessly impractical.

However, when Paul Allen decided to fund Burt Rutan to build SpaceShipOne to win the X-Prize all our faces at Virgin lit up! We already knew Burt and coming from the aviation business we knew just what he was capable of. If Burt says he can build an affordable, reusable spaceship using composite technology that he has pioneered in aviation and utilising new breakthroughs in rocket propulsion, then you can almost bet your bottom dollar that he will do it. And do it successfully. And that’s why we are here today.

Many of you will have seen Spaceship One on its historical record-breaking flight on the 21st June and that same ship will attempt its two X-Prize flight this Wednesday and on the 4th October, fully funded again by Paul Allen and sponsored by Virgin. It is then likely to go to the Smithsonian Museum.

Virgin has been in talks with Paul Allen and Burt throughout this year and in the early hours of Saturday morning, signed an historical deal to license Spaceship One’s technology to build the world’s first private spaceships to go into commercial operating service.

Virgin Galactic will be run as a business. But as a business with a sole purpose of making space travel more and more affordable to people throughout the world. We will reinvest funds raised over the first few years of flight back into the business, striving constantly to lower prices. Those privileged space pioneers who can afford to take our first flights will not only have the most awesome experience of their lives, but by stepping up to the plate first will bring the dream of space travel for many millions closer to reality.

We will also reinvest profits to make Burt’s dreams of orbital flights come true and one day – hopefully in our life times – we would like to see a Virgin hotel in space.

Within five years Virgin Galactic will have created over 3,000 new astronauts from many countries. Many of these countries have not had the funds to date to compete with the government funded space programmes of the super powers. Subject to appropriate government approvals, we plan to construct launch pads for commercial space ships in a number of countries over the next few years.

Like so many others, for years I have dreamt of seeing the beauty of our planet from space, experiencing true weightlessness and fully appreciating for the first time that our tiny planet is part of something so much bigger.

Burt and I will be fortunate enough to fulfil our dreams - and to experience all this personally on the inaugural flight of Virgin Galactic’s V-SS Enterprise in three years time. As Richard Branson Astronaut rather than Richard Branson entrepreneur – my wife will find me even harder to live with. In fact, she might wish she had suggested a one way ticket.

I hope with the launch of Virgin Galactic and the building of our fleet of space craft, that someday, children around the world will wonder why we ever thought that space travel was just a dream we read about in books or watched – with longing – in Hollywood movies.

This year, 2004, our airline has proudly delivered the youngest fleet of planes. This very day our train company – the youngest fleet of trains.

In 2007, our space company will proudly boast the youngest fleet of spaceships.

As you can tell – I’m over the moon!

Sir Richard Branson, 27th September 2004