Virgin Galactic shares veered sharply lower after the spaceflight company said it has made arrangements to sell up to US$500 million (NZ$716 million) in stock. Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Richard Branson and five crewmates from Virgin Galactic reached an altitude of about 88 kilometres over the New Mexico desert before safely gliding back home. Branson had teased a major announcement about ferrying more people to space following his flight, which some expected would be an announcement about Virgin Galactic reopening ticket sales. Instead, upon his return to Earth on Sunday, Branson announced a sweepstakes drawing for just two seats on a Virgin Galactic jaunt. Andres Leighton/AP The rocket plane carrying Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson takes off from Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Source: Stuff July 12, 2021 19:52 UTC