Stock Groups

Richard Branson hopes to fly with Elon Musk’s SpaceX

[ad_1]

Richard Branson is pictured preparing to pour champagne following a flight in Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity passenger rocket plane to Spaceport America at Truth or Consequences (New Mexico), U.S.A, July 11, 2021.

Reuters| Reuters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Sir Richard BransonIt took less than one year to reach space. Virgin GalacticHopes to trade with you in the future Elon MuskSpaceX allows you to fly.

Branson said Tuesday that “Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to fly up on one or his spaceships” and that he could also go up in one of ours.

Branson achieved his dream of reaching space in July 2021Nearly twenty years after founding Virgin Galactic, the Federal Aviation Administration honored him with wings. The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday honored the first-time astronauts of Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 flight crew – Branson, Sirisha Bandla and Colin Bennett – with wings, recognizing them for crossing the 80 kilometer (50 mile) altitude mark that the U.S. recognizes as the boundary to space.

Branson said that Musk and he are good friends and that Musk bought a Virgin Galactic flight ticket long ago. SpaceX launched its first astronauts into orbit in 2020 and has successfully sent 18 others to the moon to this day.

Branson’s contribution to Virgin Galactic’s Future

Virgin Galactic shares are at a 33% decline so far in this year.

Virgin Galactic is currently undergoing a long refurbishment of VSS Unity, its carrier aircraft VMS Eve and spacecraft VSS Unity. In October, the company ceased its test flight campaign. It also delayed its commercial space tourism services until the fourth quarter. The company stated in February that the refurbishment is on track and would be completed by the end of the third quarter.

Virgin Galactic’s CEO Michael Colglazier was appointed as its chief executive officer in July 2020. The now-former chairman was appointed earlier this year. Chamath Palihapitiya stepped down from Virgin Galactic’s board of directorsThe company also revealed that its logo was being rebranded. It replaced the iconic iris of Branson and added a purple line drawing of its spacecraft.

Branson’s ownership in Virgin Galactic has been reduced by four bulk stock sales, but he is still the biggest shareholder through The Virgin Group.

Branson indicated that he has resigned from the Virgin Galactic “heavy lifting” job. Branson also stated that he was going to “always” be involved with Virgin Galactic.

“I had lunch at Michael’s.” [Colglazier]Branson shared that today we were given a lengthy list of items that he was going to complete… and it didn’t seem like he’s running from here.” Branson said, “I will certainly help wherever I can.”

[ad_2]