In an unlikely deal, Boeing has said it is investing $20 million in Virgin Galactic, a spaceflight company created by Richard Branson, and is betting on tourist flights into space.
To date, Virgin Galactic has invested $1 billion in capital to build human reusable space systems designed to allow significantly more people to experience and utilize space. The VSS line of spacecraft is on that list.
"Boeing's strategic investment facilitates our effort to drive the commercialization of space and expand consumer access to safe, efficient and environmentally responsible new forms of transportation", said Brian Schettler, CEO of Boeing HorizonX Ventures.
When the rocket plane is ready, Virgin Galactic will offer “space tourism” for a price of US$ 250000. The flight includes a brief moment with the Earth's almost zero gravity and a view of the Earth through space. The company already has authorization from the FAA to carry out this type of flight.
Boeing says it will merge Virgin's experience in creating reusable space vehicles with its experience in carrying out missions to Earth orbit, and with NASA-level safety criteria.
More than 600 people have paid or made deposits to fly aboard Virgin's suborbital missions, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and singer Justin Bieber. A 90-minute flight costs $250.
