Virgin Galactic is actively seeking interest in space tourism within Asia, with flights priced at approximately US$600,000 [3f5d6744]. The company plans to restart its flights in 2026 using its new Delta Class ships, which are designed to enhance the space travel experience [3f5d6744]. To facilitate this expansion, Virgin Galactic has appointed Hong Kong-based Intriq Journey as its agent in Asia, marking a significant step in its international outreach efforts [3f5d6744].
Currently, there are about 800 people on the waiting list for Virgin Galactic's flights, with prospective passengers ranging in age from 7 to 89 and hailing from over 60 nationalities [3f5d6744]. The initial payment to secure a spot on the flight includes a US$150,000 deposit, making the experience more accessible compared to competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin [3f5d6744]. Each flight is expected to last around three hours, reaching an altitude of 290,000 feet, providing a unique view of Earth from space [3f5d6744].
Despite the recent pause in flights due to the retirement of its SpaceShipTwo-class rocket, Virgin Galactic remains committed to its vision of commercial space tourism and the economic development of New Mexico [5804be9b]. The company is optimistic about the future, believing that the new Delta Class ships will not only generate more revenue but also enhance the overall customer experience [5804be9b].
The commercial space industry continues to attract significant investor interest, with the global space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 [d4fb0615]. Virgin Galactic's efforts to tap into the Asian market align with this broader trend, as companies like Boeing and Amazon collaborate on projects that further drive innovation in space exploration [d4fb0615].
As Virgin Galactic prepares for its next chapter, the ongoing collaboration between NASA and private space companies underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing space technology [d4fb0615] [c5b52e81] [83bd3081]. With a promising future ahead, Virgin Galactic aims to solidify its position as a leader in the burgeoning commercial space tourism sector [5804be9b].