Washington DC: Virgin Galactic made history today as it successfully launched its inaugural commercial spaceflight, Galactic 01, heralding a new era for space tourism. Departing from Spaceport America in New Mexico at 11 a.m. EDT (1600 GMT), the flight carried a crew of four individuals, including Virgin Galactic flight instructor Colin Bennett, two senior members of the Italian airforce, Walter Villadei and Angelo Landolfi, and Pantaleone Carlucci, a pilot and technical engineer from the National Research Council of Italy.

The groundbreaking journey lasted approximately 90 minutes, taking the passengers beyond the 50-mile mark, known as the boundary of space. During the flight, the crew and passengers experienced the incredible sensation of weightlessness and had the opportunity to witness the Earth's curvature firsthand. The entire voyage was livestreamed on Virgin Galactic's website, allowing viewers from around the world to share in this historic moment.

Galactic 01's launch signifies a monumental achievement for Virgin Galactic, a company dedicated to advancing commercial space tourism for years. With over 600 tickets already sold for future flights, the successful mission today brings the dream of space travel closer to reality for many eager enthusiasts. The company is now poised to embark on regular commercial flights soon, revolutionizing the way we perceive and access space.

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This milestone also holds significance for the broader space tourism industry. Virgin Galactic's launch marks the first commercial spaceflight by a company other than SpaceX, opening doors for other enterprises to enter this burgeoning market. The success of Galactic 01 will likely inspire further innovation and competition, fuelling the growth of space tourism worldwide.

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CEO of Virgin Galactic, Michael Colglazier, expressed his excitement for the company's achievement, stating, "We are thrilled to have completed our first commercial spaceflight today. This momentous occasion not only marks a major milestone for our company but also for the entire space tourism industry. We eagerly anticipate the day when we can welcome our first paying passengers aboard as we continue to push the boundaries of human exploration."

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