Brief:
- Second successful spaceflight in two months.
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‘Galactic 01’ spaceflight carried 13 research payloads and three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy.
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‘Galactic 02,’ a commercial spaceflight for private astronauts, is scheduled for August with monthly flights to space planned thereafter.
PRESS RELEASE — June 29, 2023 —
“Today, our team successfully flew six people and more than a dozen research pavloads to space in VSS Unitv. our unique, suborbital science lab. This historic flight was our first commercial flight and our first dedicated commercial research mission – ushering in a new era of repeataole and reliable access to space for private passengers and researchers. ‘Galactic 02, our first spaceflight with private astronauts. is planned for August and we expect v55 Unit to continue with monthlv space missions while we simultaneously work to scale our future spaceship fleet for a global audience,” said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic.
“I am beyond proud to be a part of this historic spaceflight ‘Galactic O1’ is Italy’s first commercial suborbital research spaceflight, and an amazing achievement made possible thanks to the long-lasting collaboration between the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy During the centennial year of both Italian institutions, we fly to the nighest point of our history. This groundbreakinc collaboration propels Italy into the new era of commercial spacetlight as a pathfinder, fostering innovation and paving the way for further technological enhancement in this strategic domain. Together. and in partnership with Virgin Galactic, we have set a precedent for future endeavors and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. We honor today all the people who not only have made possible this amazing flight, but all the ones who have dedicated their life to our beliefs in this past 100 years Virtute Siderum Tenus,” added Col Walter Villadei of the Italian Airforce.
“We are honored that our first commercial spaceflight enabled the Italian Air rorce and the wational research council of Italy to successtully carry out their first suborbital research experiments. This successful mission gives us just a preview of what discoveries may result from reliable access to space to further scientific knowledge,” said Sirisha Bandla, VP of Government Affairs and Research Operations.
Mission Objectives
- Conducted 13 human-tended and autonomous experiments to examine the biomedical field, thermo-fluid dynamics and the development of innovative and sustainable materials in microgravity conditions.
- Evaluated and measured hypergravity to microgravity transition effects
on the human body, including both biological and physical data properties. - Collected data through wearable research payloads and sensors, and by autonomous research payloads mounted in the cabin on Virgin Galactic’s
payload rack system.
Next Steps
Post-flight inspections and analysis in preparation for next commercial space mission, ‘Galactic 02, which will bring Virgin Galactic’s unique experience to private astronauts. The mission is planned for August, with monthly flights to space beginning thereafter.
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Contact Information:
For media inquiries:
Aleanna Crane
Vice President. Communications
For investor inquiries:
Eric Cerny
Vice President. Investor Relations
SOURCE: Virgin Galactic
Featured image: G01 Crew & Pilots. Credit: Virgin Galactic
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