If you have been dreaming about taking a flight into space, Virgin Galactic has a seat just ready for you.
On Wednesday, the company opened up ticket sales to the public for seats on flights into space set for later this year. But if you want to go where few average Joes have gone before, you had better have deep pockets.
A 90-minute round trip into space will set you back $450,000.
“At Virgin Galactic, we believe that space is transformational,” Michael Colglazier, the CEO of Virgin Galactic, said. “We plan to have our first 1,000 customers on board at the start of commercial service later this year, providing an incredibly strong foundation as we begin regular operations and scale our fleet.”
What comes with your nearly half-a-million-dollar flight? In addition to an Under Armour-designed spacesuit, customers will go through “several days of spaceflight preparedness activities,” the company said.
“Future astronauts will stay with their guests at forthcoming custom accommodations. Guests will enjoy bespoke itineraries and world-class amenities during astronaut-specific training programs.
“During spaceflight, astronauts will experience a 90-minute journey including a signature air launch and Mach-3 boost to space. The spaceship gracefully flips while astronauts enjoy several minutes of out-of-seat weightlessness and breath-taking views of Earth from the spaceship’s 17 windows.”
After the flight, Virgin says, “You’ll be greeted by your family, friends, and your very own Virgin Galactic Astronaut Wings ceremony. These wings are a symbol of your pioneering spirit and the beginning of your journey back on Earth.
Astronauts will also have the opportunity to purchase a special “astronaut edition” Range Rover, according to Virgin.
Those interested in the space flight can visit www.virgingalactic.com to start the application process. A $150,000 deposit is required.