Virgin Galactic will begin selling tickets for flights to the edge of space 

Space tourism company Virgin Galactic plans to begin selling tickets for the first commercial spaceflight to the general public on Wednesday, February 16. 

“Experience weightlessness, breathtaking views of Earth, and a life-changing transformation through our unique and innovative spaceflight system, all in unparalleled comfort,” said the company’s website.

Tickets for the first commercial space trip will begin at $450,000. Customers interested will have to pay a $150,000 deposit and pay the remaining amount before the flight date.

Each flight will take four passengers on a 90-minute spaceflight that takes them up to an altitude of 50 miles above Earth.

“Your 90-minute journey begins with a smooth runway take-off, as our spaceship, attached to the mothership, ascends towards the skies. Our spaceflight system utilizes an air-launch, meaning your journey to release altitude is calm and enjoyable.”

Despite sales opening soon, customers should not expect to board their flight to space so soon. In September of last year, Virgin Galactic paused space flight operations after finding a defect in the spaceship. Furthermore, there are around 600 customers who have already made paid to board the first few trips.

“At Virgin Galactic, we believe that space is transformational,” said Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier. “We plan to have our first 1,000 customers on board at the start of commercial service later this year, providing an incredibly strong foundation as we begin regular operations and scale our fleet.”

“Virgin Galactic is the world’s first commercial spaceline and vertically integrated aerospace company. We are developing and operating a new generation of space vehicles to open space for everyone,” reads Virgin’s website.