Photo / Virgin GalacticWatch the rocket launch in the livestream below:Bilionnaire Sir Richard Branson's Unity 22 mission is preparing to launch into space, with the Virgin Galactic boss on board. Branson's space mission will begin at about 1am NZT today, weather permitting. His wife, children and grandchildren will be there as he climbs aboard the rocket plane that's attached to a dual-fuselage aircraft for takeoff. Years in the makingFounded in 2004, Virgin Galactic got its start when Branson teamed up with aircraft designer Burt Rutan to provide the necessary spaceship technology. What's nextAfter Branson's launch, Virgin Galactic plans two more test flights this summer and fall before inviting paying customers on board.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 11, 2021 09:56 UTC