Virgin Galactic to Offer Space Travel Adventures

USA

Tired of vacationing at the beach, or sightseeing like the average tourist? Virgin Galactic will soon be offering space travel for $200,000 a ticket, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Even with its hefty price tag, Virgin Galactic's rate is significantly lower than its competitors. Seven people who have taken a “space vacation” spent between $20 million and $35 million for their voyage, the WSJ reported.

So far, nearly 450 customers have signed up with Virgin Galactic to take its first commercial trip into space. According to the WSJ, 70% are male.

Steven Attenborough, Virgin Galactic's commercial director, told the WSJ that the bookings have been ahead of schedule, as the company had planned to have only 500 signed up by the time of first lift off, which he hopes will take place within the next two years.

Travelers have booked trips from Asia, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and India, as well as Singapore and Malaysia, the WSJ reported.  Tickets cannot yet be sold in China, due to regulations, the Journal said, however existing bookings have customers from 47 different countries.

Attenborough told the Journal that the vehicle will be able to take multiple passengers and give them "zero-gravity" experience, as well as a view of outer space through its many large windows.