Virgin Galactic is finalizing preparations for its first crewed space flight. You can follow the whole event live.Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson will be among the six crew members on the rocket-powered VSS Univ space plane as it heads toward the Krmn Line (a location approximately 62 miles from Earth that is widely considered to mark space's edge). Branson was reportedly there to test customer experience for future passengers, who will take the same ride in Virgin Galactics space tourism service.The fact that the suborbital flight was made public shortly after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced that he would be riding with the first passengers on the New Shepard rocket to the Krmn Line suggests that Branson wants to win the space race against his billionaire counterpart.Already, wealthy people have been paying $250,000 to reserve a seat on a Virgin Galactic space travel flight. However, the company has yet to announce a launch date. Blue Origin, which is operated by Bezos is also looking to launch a similar experience, but has yet to reveal how much it will cost.Virgin Galactics will end and start at California's Mojave Air and Space Port. Blue Origins is a rocket launch and parachute-assisted landing in a capsule in West Texas. Both rides will offer stunning views and weightlessness for a brief period. There is plenty of food to eat on both.Branson, 70, said last week that Virgin Galactic is at the forefront of a new commercial aerospace industry. This new space industry will open space for humankind and make the world a better place.What to WatchVirgin Galactic's first ever fully-crewed flight can be viewed by visiting its website on Sunday, 7/11. This is the day that the launch window opens.The livestream will begin at 9 a.m. ET (6:30 a.m. PST). After final checks have been completed, the WhiteKnightTwo plane will transport VSS Unity up to 50,000 feet. Then, Unity's rocket will ignite and launch the spacecraft and six crew members towards the Krmn Line. Unity will return to Earth shortly after landing on the runway.We expect cameras to capture the mission in multiple angles. Views will be offered from both the inside and outside of the aircraft as well as from the ground.Editors' Recommendations
