New Delhi: An epoch-making moment in the realm of commercial space travel is on the horizon as Virgin Galactic prepares to launch its second commercial spaceflight, Galactic 02, today. Scheduled for August 10, 2023, this momentous flight will witness three private astronauts embarking on an extraordinary suborbital journey aboard the VSS Unity, Virgin Galactic's cutting-edge reusable spaceplane.

The trio of intrepid private astronauts poised for Galactic 02 includes:

Jon Goodwin: An 80-year-old luminary who once graced the Olympics, Mr. Goodwin holds the distinction of being an early Virgin Galactic ticket holder.

Keisha Schahaff: Hailing from Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Schahaff, a 46-year-old entrepreneur and health and wellness coach, is prepared to venture into space.

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Anastatia Mayers: A 23-year-old student hailing from Anguilla, Ms. Mayers is set to become one of the youngest individuals to experience the marvels of space travel.

Galactic 02's journey will initiate from the prestigious Spaceport America in New Mexico at 10:00 AM EDT. The anticipated flight trajectory will ascend to an altitude of around 55 miles, soaring beyond the Kármán line—a universally recognized boundary that marks the threshold of space. This transformative journey will grant the astronauts several moments of weightlessness and an awe-inspiring view of Earth's curvature.

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This launch signifies a monumental milestone for Virgin Galactic, as it signifies the commencement of consistent commercial service following its second foray into space. Looking ahead, Virgin Galactic envisions conducting up to 400 suborbital spaceflights annually, fostering accessibility to space travel like never before.

The significance of Galactic 02 extends beyond Virgin Galactic—it is an emblematic step forward for the burgeoning commercial space sector. This launch establishes an unprecedented milestone, as it is the inaugural occasion that a private entity has orchestrated a commercial spaceflight with paying passengers. This achievement signifies a pivotal stride in democratizing space exploration for the masses.

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As we stand on the cusp of this transformative event, all eyes are trained on the skies as Galactic 02 ascends to new frontiers, carving a path toward a future where space travel becomes an extraordinary reality for the global populace. Stay tuned for live updates as this groundbreaking journey unfolds.