Why choose Bailey Robinson?

Virgin Galactic has chosen Bailey Robinson as one of their UK Accredited Space Agents due to our proven track record in selling high-end travel experiences. Our staff have received intensive training in the basic principles of space flight, the technology behind the spacecraft and aircraft.  We have also experienced many of the sensations associated with space flight, including G force training at the NASTAR Center in Pennsylvania and a visit to Scaled Composites, where the spacecraft and aircraft are manufactured, giving us unrivalled access to all aspects of the Virgin Galactic experience. As the spacecraft and aircraft are still being put through test flights, we are also a main source of information for you. We are kept up to date on vehicle progress and developments at Virgin Galactic and in turn, we serve as the conduit through which astronauts-in-waiting are kept appraised of the current state of affairs.

When will flights begin?

Firstly, it is very important that Virgin Galactic will not commence commercial space flight operations until they are entirely satisfied that it is safe to do so.  Any times and dates that are given are subject to change for that reason.  WK2 and SS2 are now in their test flight programme and it is hard to say how long that will take as it depends on system performance.  We would currently expect to see SS2 perform her first space flight within 18 months and provided that goes smoothly, commercial flights should follow soon after.

How many flights will operate and how many passengers on each?

Each SS2 carries six passengers and two pilots.  Five SS2s and three WK2s will be added to the fleet over a period of 12 to 18 months.  Virgin Galactic will likely commence operations with just one flight per week and gradually increase frequency.  It is expected that 500 passengers (all Founders and Pioneers) will fly in the first full year of operation and this number will be dramatically increased when Voyagers’ flights are commenced from Year Two onwards.

Can I choose my fellow passengers?

Although you won’t be able to choose your fellow passengers, you will have the opportunity to get to know them during the two days’ pre-flight preparation.  Individual passenger experience is at the forefront of cabin design; each astronaut will have a window seat and there will be plenty of room for everyone to enjoy floating in weightlessness. Alternatively you can charter a flight so you have a spaceship all to yourself, or choose those who will join you. There is even a 10% discount for private spaceship charters.

What about insurance?

This is a brand new industry so currently there are no insurance policies as yet which cover private individuals undertaking space flights or enable Virgin Galactic as an operator to take that cover out on your behalf. However the insurance market has already shown interest in trying to provide cover and Virgin Galactic will be working with the industry as they progress towards the start of commercial flights.

What are the health requirements?

Virgin Galactic aims to make sub-orbital space accessible to anyone with a dream to view the Earth and experience microgravity.  As with most adventure sports and experiences it is your choice to participate.  However Virgin Galactic’s first priority is safety; of the vehicles, the crew and our passengers.  Although they don’t anticipate many medical restrictions to prevent people from flying, Virgin Galactic will not jeopardise your safety if they believe you are at risk. Generally speaking, it is expected that anyone of good health and reasonable fitness should be able to participate in these space flights.

What about visa and immigration requirements?

Virgin Galactic space flights will operate from Spaceport America in New Mexico therefore normal US immigration policies will apply for entry into the United States and currently no additional requirements for space travel are foreseen. 

Where will I fly from?

Virgin Galactic’s headquarters will be at Spaceport America located near Upham in south-west New Mexico, designed by renowned architects, Foster + Partners, funded by New Mexico and providing cutting edge facilities and a stunning location for aspiring astronauts to realise their dreams. 

Can I bring my family or friends with me?

Yes. A fantastic hotel is being planned specifically with you and your guests in mind.

Is a sub-orbital flight a real space flight?

Yes. Virgin Galactic will fly to an altitude of 110km/68miles. The Karman Line, the internationally accepted altitude that defines where space ‘begins’ is 100km/62miles. Sub-orbital is simply the term used to describe a space flight trajectory that does not orbit (in this case) the Earth.

Is it safe?

One of Virgin Galactic’s primary objectives is to end the exclusivity that has been attached to manned space travel, by designing a vehicle which can fly almost anyone to space and back safely. Well aware of the inherent risks in sub-orbital space flight, they would not want to portray these risks falsely. However, the reason Virgin decided to invest in Burt Rutan’s technology was precisely because they recognised that it represented a step change in levels of safety compared to any space vehicle or system that had gone before. This happened after a long period of Virgin reviewing and dismissing other competing vehicles, chiefly on grounds of safety.

Burt Rutan’s genius for design and construction provided simple but hugely effective solutions to some of the most risky elements of space flight, in particular the launch phase and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The air launch system and controllable hybrid rocket motor provides for a safe abort and glide home were any problems to occur in the initial phases of the spaceship’s launch.  The unique wing feathering technology means the spaceship can come back into the atmosphere at any angle and will automatically right itself without any input from the pilots. The aerodynamically controlled descent means there is need only for minimum thermal protection and that the spaceship is immune from any problems caused by sophisticated flight control systems. Virgin also understands from long experience, what it takes to build and maintain an ingrained culture of safety in a transport operation.

Are there any age restrictions?

Virgin currently impose no upper age limit but of course regardless of age you will need to meet minimum health and fitness requirements before Virgin Galactic can allow you to give your consent to fly. For the moment Virgin Galactic will not to take reservations from anybody under the age of 18.

What about the environment?

Virgin Galactic’s environmental mission is to change the existing model of access to space by introducing the world’s first environmentally benign space transportation system for people, payload and science.  Already, much of the early evidence of the causes and effects of a warming planet has been derived from satellite technology; however the technology that still delivers payloads and people to space has a high negative environmental impact.

Virgin Galactic is investing in a space access system that is radically different from what has gone before and many times more environmentally friendly. For example, the CO2 emission per passenger for a sub-orbital space trip on WK2 and SS2 is expected to be approximately 25% less than that per passenger on a commercial return flight from London to New York. In the development of the spacecraft and its carrier aircraft Virgin are also working on developing and incorporating suitable bio fuels which would obviously improve the situation still further. Additionally, Virgin Galactic’s New Mexico Spaceport is being designed to take all its energy requirements from renewable sources.

All of the information we have provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of launch. However we hope you can appreciate that a project of this nature is subject to the odd change of detail, so keep your eye out for updates from us.