Once released Unity's rocket motor engages 'within seconds', according to Virgin Galactic. Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic Branson will evaluate the private astronaut experience and will undergo the same training, preparation and flight as Virgin Galactic's future astronauts. 'Virgin Galactic still has tests to come, and this is the time for me to assess the astronaut experience. It is set to include the pilots plus four as yet unnamed Virgin Galactic employees. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, along with Elon Musk's SpaceX, are competing head-to-head in the emerging space tourism business.

Source: The Nation July 09, 2021 09:00 UTC