(Image courtesy of Virgin Galactic)As soon as Thursday, Virgin Galactic plans to fire the rocket motor of its spacecraft and fly to an altitude of more than 50 miles. The Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration have awarded astronaut wings for pilots who have made it to 50 miles or above. In October, his flight to the International Space Station was aborted due to a rocket failure. He keeps a list of astronauts and said if Virgin Galactic’s pilots crest 50 miles, they’d earn the honor of astronaut. Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)Ultimately, the company’s goal is to ferry many more people to 50 miles, or higher.

Source: Washington Post December 11, 2018 22:33 UTC