From SpaceX to Blue Origin, several private space companies are in a race to be the first to get tourists into space.
Now, Virgin Galactic has taken a slight lead in the race, after kicking off the training programme for the tourists who have already paid £200,000 to be launched into space.
The programme, called the Astronaut Readiness Programme, is taking place at the Under Armour Global HQ in Baltimore.
George Whitesides, CEO at Virgin Galactic, said: ‘’Introducing our Astronaut Readiness Program to our first customers marks an exciting point in our journey as we move closer to the start of commercial service.
“It is an important step in the process to ensure that our customers are prepared and equipped with the knowledge and training that will help ensure that they savour every second of their spaceflight which we hope will go beyond expectations.”
The programme will start by fitting the participants with specially designed Under Armour spacesuits, which they will wear during their time in space.
Participants will then undergo a medical consultation, as well as a nutrition and fitness session.
At £200,000, a ticket to ride into space on board Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo isn’t cheap, but it seems that that hasn’t put off many keen travellers.
More than 600 people from 60 countries have signed up, according to Virgin Galactic.
Clare Pelly, Head of Astronaut Office, said: “As we kick off the program which will prepare Future Astronauts for a transformational spaceflight experience, we once again draw on the support from our unique, pioneering community.
“In doing so, we can ensure that each journey with Virgin Galactic is as good and relevant as it possibly can be; not only before, but during and after the incredible, personal experience of spaceflight.”
Virgin Galactic hopes to launch the first commercial space flights in mid-2020.
