Virgin Galactic unveils commercial spaceship model

Richard Branson showcased today a model of the spaceship he hopes will be the first to take passengers into space on a regular basis. The SpaceShipTwo, as it is dubbed, will begin test flights later this year.

“Two thousand eight is going to be the year of the spaceship. We’re excited about this, and everything it will do,” said Branson.

Virgin Galactic, part of Branson’s Virgin Group, already has 200 people signed up and $30 million in deposits for the rides. What does a flight into space cost you? A measly $200,000. The trips are expected to take about two and a half hours with five minutes of weightlessness.

Let’s hope they get this thing perfected soon so that prices can start falling. I, for one, am excited for a vacation to the moon. Pics after the jump. Read more »