British billionaire Richard Branson is preparing to travel to space on Sunday, ahead of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who will undertake a similar journey on July 20. Branson will fly aboard the VSS Unity rocket plane, which will launch from the mothership VMS Eve from the "Spaceport America" in New Mexico. Branson denied that he and Bezos are in a "space battle" or a race to reach space, as reported by the British newspaper "Daily Mail." He added, "I wish him luck on his journey and look forward to talking to him about his experience when he returns to Earth."
The VSS Unity winged aircraft will be launched upon reaching an altitude of 5,000 feet, flying at speeds of up to 4,300 kilometers per hour, eventually reaching an altitude of 110,000 meters above the Earth's surface. "Virgin Galactic" received the green light to transport paying customers to space after updating its license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month.
The "Unity 22" mission, which will occur this month, is the twenty-second test flight of the VSS Unity rocket plane and the fourth crewed spaceflight for the company. Branson emphasized the necessity of his journey, stating that it is a crucial factor "in providing a unique experience for the company's customers," adding, "I must undergo the expected customer experience to ensure they get what they are paying for."
He continued, saying, "When we return, I will announce something very exciting to give more people the opportunity to become astronauts." Branson's announcement of his trip comes after billionaire Bezos stated that he will travel to space with his brother aboard the first crewed flight organized by his rocket company, "Blue Origin," on July 20. Bezos mentioned on his Instagram page: "I have dreamed of traveling to space since I was five years old. On July 20, I will make this journey with my brother." Bezos will be joined by the winner of an auction for a seat on the first space flight from "Blue Origin" later that month.
