Virgin Boss Launches White Knight Mothership For Space Programme

Richard Branson, the boss of Virgin has launched an element of his space programme in the United States that will act as 'mothership' to put 'space tourists' in orbit around the earth.

The 'White Knight' codenamed 'Eve' will act as a mothership which will cradle the Virgin spaceship (SpaceShipTwo) until mid-flight when it will release the craft for it to begin its ascent into orbit around the earth. The project already has 250 booked-up for a flight each paying £100,000 for the opportunity. Mr. Branson has predicted that the maiden voyage of SpaceShipTwo should be in around 18 months.

The event drew enthusiasts of the project as well as engineers and VIP's all getting a glimpse of Eve in all her glory. The mothership will be required to undergoe stringent flight and systems checks before it is permitted to operate commercially, with Branson looking to ensure that safety of his space programme is as good as with his airline. The testing will begin in autumn of this year with Branson stating that he hopes to take his family but will not do so until all the checks and safety precautions have been made.

SpaceShipTwo is currently in the construction phase and is around 70% complete, being a scaled-up version of SpaceShipOne that successfully achieved an orbit which paved the way for Branson's current space programme. The Virgin boss has spoken of his hopes for the programme in the future and envisaged a day when a hotel in space could be constructed offering 'day trips' around the moon. The idea is fascinating and may not be as far away as one may think if Branson has his way.

Published by: Jon Vickery