Virgin Galactic unveils spacesuits that pilots will wear as they fly tourists into space

From SpaceX to Blue Origin, several private space companies are racing to be the first to launch tourists into space.

Now, Virgin Galactic has inched ahead of its rivals after unveiling the spacesuits that its pilots will wear as they fly tourists into space in the near future.

Virgin Galactic has joined forces with Under Armour to develop the spacesuits.

Pilots Dave Mackay and CJ Sturckow will wear the spacesuits for the first time during Virgin Galactic’s first rocket-powered test flight, which is scheduled for December 11.

Randall Harward, Under Armour's SVP of Material and Manufacturing Innovation, said: “A pilot’s flight suit has been refined over the decades to embody a certain undeniable look and function, but they also have to perform beyond expectations.

While the spacesuits all feature Virgin Galactic’s pilot wings emblem, they’re also personalised with the pilot’s name (Virgin Galactic)

Virgin Galactic has joined forces with Under Armour to develop the spacesuits (Virgin Galactic)

“We took that as a starting point and built in all of the Under Armour solutions we've developed for comfort, support, movement and temperature management. Our goal was to build a suit that leaves a pilot - like any athlete - feeling confident and with zero distractions during a critical moment of performance. It’s been a fascinating journey."

The spacesuit weighs just over 1kg, and is made from flight-grade fabrics that are strong and robust.

They’re designed to help regulate the pilots’ temperatures, whether they’re outside in this sun, or during the various phases of flight.

While the spacesuits all feature Virgin Galactic’s pilot wings emblem, they’re also personalised with the pilot’s name.

Virgin Galactic Powers Up SpaceShipTwo Vehicle that could carry tourists into space

Dave Mackay, Virgin Galactic Chief Pilot said: “It’s a real honor for all of us in the Virgin Galactic Pilot Corps to wear these spacesuits.

“The thoughtfulness of the design ensures the suits are not only comfortable and practical, but also bespoke to each pilot. As soon as you step into the suit, you immediately get a sense of the significance of our mission.

“I’m very much looking forward to wearing my own spacesuit during New Mexico’s first human spaceflight later this month and then many times in the future as we share the wonder of space with our Future Astronauts.”