Commercial space flights are a step closer to reality as Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic were given Federal Aviation Administration approval to launch services.
The maiden journey is still expected by the end of this year and about 600 people have already reserved places at $250,000 each for zero gravity flights on SpaceShipTwo.
Branson has previously said he and his family will be on Virgin’s first space flight.
"Our team is working hard to begin routine and affordable space launches from Spaceport America and this agreement brings us another step closer to that goal," said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides.
"We are grateful to the FAA for their partnership to achieve this milestone."
The FAA agreement outlines how Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America base in New Mexico will coordinate with normal air traffic control systems.
It also has a similar FAA agreement in the state of California where it has conducted a number of test flights.
