Landing - Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson First Space Tourism Flight - July 11, 2021

Richard Branson reached space on a test flight for Virgin Galactic before gliding back toward earth Sunday, the latest salvo in the burgeoning space tourism business led by high-profile billionaires.

The Virgin Group founder launched Sunday with three company employees, flying 53 miles above the earth in a final test mission before kicking off commercial space flights next year. Branson – who earned his pilot’s license – is testing the astronaut cabin experience.

Branson tweeted a photo of him with SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk Sunday morning, saying he is "feeling good, feeling excited, feeling ready."

"Big day ahead," Branson wrote. "Great to start the morning with a friend."

Crowds greeted Branson as he arrived for the launch. He waved, smiled and flashed a thumbs up in return.

The company reported that overnight weather prevented crews from starting flight preparations.

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