After Virgin Galactic sent its founder Richard Branson into the edge of space, they are eyeing to give someone a chance to experience it, too. Partnering with Omaze, the charity fundraising platform, they announced the details of their plans to send two lucky people on a flight to space in early 2022.
On July 11, Virgin Galactic released news of their plan to give free rides to the suborbital space to winners of their space sweepstakes. The announcement came shortly after the founder billionaire and five crew members safely launched and returned to earth aboard the VSS Unity.
The Mechanics of the Space Flight
According to Branson, payment is not necessary to join the raffle, however, you need to send donations. From today until August 31, 2021, your $5 donation to Omaze will entitle you to 50 entries to the sweepstakes. A $10 donation will get you 100 entries, 1,000 entries for $50, and 2,000 entries for a $100 donation. The more donations you send, the more chances of winning. Although when you read the fine prints, it will tell you that the maximum amount for entries is $6,000.
Each entry will give you and a friend the chance to get on the VSS Unity. You’ll have the same outer-worldly experience as Branson had. For those dreaming of having the opportunity to feel the weightlessness of space and view the earth from 50 miles up above, this is your chance.
Along with the spaceflight prize, the winners will get an exclusive VIP tour of Spaceport America in Las Cruces, New Mexico, by the founder himself. Flights and accommodations to the site are also included in the prize.
Anyone from the general public can participate by entering here, but certain restrictions apply. The contest winners should pass medical tests, of legal age, and proof of Covid-19 vaccinations, among others.
Commercial Space Flights
Virgin Galactic’s plans for commercial space flight will reportedly cost $250,000. In a pre-recorded video they released, Branson described how he had “the most incredible experience of Earth from above.” This he followed with a statement saying that he is thrilled to give others the chance to experience it themselves.
The winning trip will take you to outer space to experience around four minutes of weightlessness. You’ll be onboard the VSS UNity which will be lifted off by the carrier VMS Eve. You will reach a peak altitude above 50 miles or 80 kms, just below the Kármán line.
Fundraising Efforts
The money that they will be able to raise from these sweepstakes will benefit the nonprofit Space for Humanity. They hope to send astronauts from citizens of diverse racial, economic, and different backgrounds. The objective is to give people a cognitive shift in awareness. This is what they expect to happen when passengers will see the earth from above. and be able to offer a collective good once back on the ground.
Branson’s Space Adventure
July 11 was a historic moment for the English business magnate. It’s when he fulfilled his lifelong dream of reaching outer space. The trip took more than 17 years to develop, and plans for commercial flights are scheduled for next year. Branson described the experience as, “It’s impossible to describe just how magnificent it is.“
The race for commercial space flights is ongoing. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has his scheduled for the 20th of July this year. He will have the chance to blast off into space aboard a space capsule manufactured by his company, Blue Origins.
