Virgin Galactic unveils space cabin design including ‘astronaut float zone’
Sir Richard Branson said the cabin was designed to ‘achieve the dream of spaceflight safely’.
Virgin Galactic has unveiled the design of its space cabin – including an “unrestricted astronaut float zone” when in zero gravity.
Billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin, said the cabin was designed “to allow thousands of people… to achieve the dream of spaceflight safely”.
The company unveiled the plans, which include individually sized reclining seats with “G-Force management” and automated mood lighting.
Virgin Galactic also said the cabin was designed specifically to allow for an “out-of-seat weightless experience” by including soft cabin surfaces and window edges.
There are also plans for a “large circular mirror” which would allow customers to view themselves floating in zero gravity.
After the plans were announced, Sir Richard said: “When we created Virgin Galactic, we started with what we believed would be an optimal customer experience and then built the spaceship around it.
“We will continue with that ethos as we expand our fleet, build our operations and underpin Virgin Galactic’s position as the spaceline for Earth.
“This cabin has been designed specifically to allow thousands of people like you and me to achieve the dream of spaceflight safely – and that is incredibly exciting.”
Michael Colglazier, chief executive of Virgin Galactic, said: “The spaceship cabin interior is in many ways the design centrepiece of the astronaut journey, and what has been created will both facilitate and elevate a uniquely profound and transformational journey for the thousands who will fly.
“The fascination with spaceflight is universal and Virgin Galactic is here to satisfy it.
“We are particularly proud to be able to share this latest milestone with millions around the world, particularly during these unusual times.
“We hope the new app, with cutting-edge AR technology, will help bring the dream of space one step closer for space enthusiasts everywhere.”
Virgin Galactic also released an “augmented reality enabled” mobile app, showcasing the cabin design and spaceflight experience.
