Virgin Spaceship Completes First Solo Flight

The world's first commercial spacecraft, operated by Virgin Group, has successfully completed its inaugural solo test flight. Lets take a closer look.

A Virgin Galactic spaceship has completed its first solo test flight.

Called the VSS Enterprise, the world's first commercial manned spaceship was carried to an altitude of 45,000 feet by an airplane, and then released to glide for 11 minutes before landing at the Mojave Air and Space Port.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, described Saturday's flight as a "big milestone".

[Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder]:
"The big milestones in the spaceship programme, and it couldn't have gone better. The spaceship flew like a bird and the crew got out with big smiles on their face. So, I am absolutely delighted."

Branson expresses his desire for everyone in the world to be a part of the space travel project.

[Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder]:
"Obviously we want to involve everybody in the world in this wonderful project. And some people will be involved by taking them into space, but everybody can be involved by following it on the internet through Virgin Galactic."

VSS Enterprise officials confirmed that all the flight's objectives were successfully completed.

Space tourists will soon have the opportunity to book a trip on the Enterprise for 200,000 dollars.