Get All Access for $5/mo

'Have We Not Learned Anything': Virgin Galactic Slammed For Announcing Commercial Flights Days After Titan Submersible Implosion Virgin Galactic is set to launch its first space tourism flight on Thursday out of New Mexico.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Getty Images

Richard Branson's space exploration company Virgin Galactic has officially announced its first space tourism mission, which will see Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei and his colleagues Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Landolf and research council member Pantaleone Carlucci, travel 50 miles into the atmosphere from New Mexico.

The flight is planned to be around 90 minutes and will launch on Thursday, June 29.

Dubbed "Galactic 01," the mission is meant to be a scientific research mission, not one purely for commercial entertainment. The company is also advertising $450,000 tickets for tourist flights to space that require a $10,000 credit card authorization on the spot.

Related: Want to Go to Space? Virgin Galactic Will Launch First Commercial Flight in June, Aiming For Monthly Flights After August

"This is your opportunity to be among the founding Virgin Galactic astronauts. Your reservation includes more than a spaceflight," the website reads. "You'll enjoy a Future Astronaut community membership, a multi-day training and preparation retreat at Spaceport America with family and friends, bespoke flightwear, astronaut insignia, photographs and video, opportunities to give back to future generations and more."

Though this is a major feat for Branson and his company, many on social media can't help but feel sour about the timing of the commercial mission given the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible that was set to explore the Titanic wreckage and saw the death of five passengers.

Twitter users expressed dismay with the decision to push Thursday's mission and future commercial flights forward in light of the recent tragedy.

The commercial space flight company hasn't had a smooth ride, generating $1.5 billion in operating losses between 2018 and 2022.

Branson's satellite launch company, Virgin Orbit, officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after failing to secure funding in April, estimating that it had roughly $153.5 million in debt at the time.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Virgin Galactic was up over 7.6% in a 24-hour period following the announcement of Thursday's flight.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.