The former Virgin Galactic CEO, George Whitesides, will fly to space through the company’s next spaceflight test. Virgin Galatic has successfully tested its spaceflight recently. Now, it is all set to launch its next spaceflight tests soon.
Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, announced the participation of George Whitesides at a party on July 11 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Following his successful spaceflight, Branson expressed his gratitude towards Whitesides for his leadership efforts in the company.
George Whitesides led the company, Virgin Galactic, for a decade during 2010-20. He made an immense contribution to the growth of the company during his tenure.
Details for the Next Spaceflight Are Not Known Yet
Virgin Galactic has not yet announced the date for its next spaceflight test, the Unity 23. However, Lori Garver, who was a previous deputy administrator at NASA, said more on this subject. According to him, Branson announced the name of George to be on the next spaceflight while thanking him for his efforts.
Garver was present with over 100 company employees and VIPs present at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces to celebrate Branson’s spaceflight success. A Virgin Galactic spokesperson said the company has not yet decided the date for the Unity 23 manifest.
George Whitesides is the Only Select Member Yet
Garver said George Whitesides was the only member whose name Branson announced at the party for the next spaceflight crew. He has admitted that three more people may join the spaceflight with Whitesides.
However, no other name for the crew is out yet. After serving as the Virgin Galactic’s CEO till 2020, George Whitesides shifted to his new role as the company’s chief space officer the previous year.
And Virgin Galactic appointed Michael Colglazier as the company CEO. Now, George Whitesides occupies a place at the Virgin Galactic’s space advisory board.
Company May Complete the Next Two Spaceflight Tests Soon
Virgin Galactic earlier announced that it would launch its next two spaceflight tests by this summer. The company completes its last two tests with a gap of 50 days. So, it is likely that Virgin Galactic would plan its next spaceflight test in August or September.
Until now, Virgin Galactic has launched a total of four test spaceflights. And the recent one was Unity 22, which carried its billionaire founder, Richard Branson.
The company has announced the launch of its two more test spaceflights. The first one will carry four “mission specialists,” and the second one will involve flying members of the Italian Air Force.
