Virgin Galactic Unveils "SpaceShipTwo," Anticipating Space Flights In 2011

One thing can be said for Richard Branson: He is the consummate showman. The iconoclastic Branson, originator of the Virgin brand, recently hosted the "Hollywood-style rollout" of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, touted as the world's first commercial spaceship.

Branson unveiled SpaceShipTwo in New Mexico's Mojave Desert while New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with other dignitaries and VIPs, looked on, unphased by cold winds.

SpaceShipTwo, created by Burt Rutan, a renowned aviation designer, will take passengers on space excursions of two-and-a-half hours at a cost of $200,000 per ticket. Virgin Galactic says 300 people have already signed up for the flights.

The spacecraft's predecessor, SpaceShipOne, was Rutan's smaller prototype. In 2004, it was awarded a $10 million prize for being the first privately manned craft to reach space. While SpaceShipOne was designed for three people, SpaceShipTwo will accommodate six passengers and two pilots.

Virgin Galactic plans test flights of SpaceShipTwo and its "mothership," White Knight Two, next year. Commercial service is expected to begin in 2011.

Branson's Virgin Group is known for its innovative, often unusual style. The firm's ventures include Virgin Galactic, Virgin Atlantic Airways, the recently launched Virgin America airlines, Virgin Mobile (cellular phone service), and an eclectic variety of other companies.