Jeff Bezos announced his participation in Blue Origin's inaugural New Shepard crewed flight on July 20. Now, Virgin Galactic has revealed that founder Sir Richard Branson will precede him, targeting space on July 11 aboard the VSS Unity.
In 2016, Virgin Galactic—founded by British billionaire Sir Richard Branson—unveiled the VSS Unity, its suborbital spaceplane prototype. Designed for up to six passengers, this rocket plane enables brief zero-gravity experiences during suborbital flights. The historic debut crewed mission, Unity 22, is slated for July 11, with Branson on board.
The full crew of six includes pilots Dave Mackay and Michael Masucci, plus four mission specialists, one being Branson himself.
"After over 16 years of pioneering research, engineering, and testing, Virgin Galactic leads the charge in commercial spaceflight, opening the cosmos to humanity," Branson stated. "Turning the dream of accessible space into reality with this exceptional team is an honor. As a mission specialist, I'm proud to validate this journey."
The flight unfolds in phases: The WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft elevates the spaceplane to altitude before release. The VSS Unity then ignites its rocket engine for ascent, coasting on momentum to apogee. Descent begins with a 'feathering' reentry—tilting the tail for stability in thin air—before gliding home once denser atmosphere allows wing deployment.
Timing is key: Blue Origin's New Shepard debut on July 20 will carry Jeff Bezos and his brother Mark. Branson's July 11 launch positions Virgin Galactic—and its founder—to claim first-mover status in this billionaire space race, blending innovation with rivalry.
On announcement day, Bezos invited 82-year-old Wally Funk, a Mercury 13 pioneer denied astronaut selection in the 1960s, to join the crew—fulfilling her lifelong dream.
Note: The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale defines space at the Kármán line, 100 km altitude. VSS Unity targets above 80 km; New Shepard exceeds 100 km. Thus, Bezos might claim a technical edge.
