Note: Only forum leaders may delete posts.
*HTML is ON *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
[b]Virgin Galactic Broadens Access to Space with First Private Astronaut Mission 'Galactic 02'[/b] [i]Historic Mission Will Fly First Olympian and First Caribbean Astronauts to Space[/i] Virgin Galactic's seventh spaceflight and second commercial spaceflight, 'Galactic 02' will fly three private passengers to space, achieving several historical milestones and furthering Virgin Galactic's mission of broadening access to space. VSS Unity will carry 80-year-old Jon Goodwin, Olympian and early Virgin Galactic ticket holder, as well as Keisha Schahaff and Anastatia Mayers, a Caribbean mother-daughter duo who won their seats in a draw that raised funds for non-profit Space for Humanity. The dynamic and multi-national crew highlights the role the commercial space industry can play in removing barriers that once existed to becoming an astronaut. To date, fewer than 700 people have traveled to space, with little diversity among that group. Virgin Galactic's mission is to change that – beginning with an 800 strong Future Astronaut community that represents more than 60 different nations. [b]Galactic 02[/b] The 'Galactic 02' mission will achieve a number of historical milestones, showcasing the power of each Virgin Galactic spaceflight to help red1efine who gets to be an astronaut. VSS Unity will fly: [list][*]The first astronauts from the Caribbean [*]The first mother-daughter duo to go to space [*]The first Olympian to go to space [*]The second youngest person to go to space [*]The second person with Parkinson's to go to space[/list] "This flight highlights two of Virgin Galactic's core aspirations – increasing access to space and inspiring people around the world. Each of these astronauts are role models and beacons of inspiration in their communities. Watching Keisha, Ana and Jon embark on this transformative experience helps demonstrate that space is now opening to a broader and more diverse population across the globe," said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic. [b]Meet the crew[/b] [b]John Godwin[/b] Virgin Galactic Astronaut 011 and First Olympian to travel to space [list][*]An 80-year-old adventurer and first Olympian to travel to space (Jon competed in the 1972 Munich games). [*]Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, Jon will be only the second person to travel to space with the condition.[/list] "From becoming an Olympian to canoeing between the peaks of Annapurna, to winning a six day race in the Arctic Circle, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (and cycling back down), I've always enjoyed rising to new challenges. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, I was determined not to let it stand in the way of living life to the fullest. And now for me to go to space with Parkinson's is completely magical. I hope this inspires all others facing adversity and shows them that challenges don't have to inhibit or stop them from pursuing their dreams," said Goodwin. [b]Keisha Schahaff[/b] Virgin Galactic Astronaut 012 and First Astronaut from the Caribbean Islands [list][*]A 46-year-old mother of two daughters, entrepreneur and health and wellness coach from Antigua and Barbuda. [*]Beneficiary of two spaceflight seats in a historic draw which raised $1.7M in grants for non-profit Space for Humanity [*]Passionate about empowering women to live their best lives.[/list] "When I was two years old, just looking up to the skies, I thought, 'How can I get there?' But, being from the Caribbean, I didn't see how something like this would be possible. The fact that I am here, the first to travel to space from Antigua, shows that space really is becoming more accessible. I know I will be changed by my experience, and I hope I will be able to share that energy and inspire the people around me – in my role as a life coach, a mother, and as an ambassador for our beautiful planet," said Schahaff [b]Anastatia Mayers[/b] Virgin Galactic Astronaut 013 and Second Youngest Person to Travel to Space [list][*]An 18-year-old university student who was born and raised in Antigua and Barbuda. [*]Student at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in her second year studying Philosophy and Physics. [*]Together with Keisha, the two will become the first mother and daughter to travel to space together.[/list] [b]Beth Moses[/b] Virgin Galactic Astronaut 002 and Chief Astronaut Instructor [list][*]Lead astronaut instructor carrying out all training and preparation for 'Galactic 02'; Beth will fly with the crew to assess the inflight experience while continuing to refine Virgin Galactic's training program. [*]Beth was the first woman to fly to space aboard a commercial space vehicle, earning her FAA commercial astronaut wings in 2019. [*]'Galactic 02' marks Beth's fourth flight to space with Virgin Galactic.[/list] [b]Meet the pilots[/b] [b]CJ Sturkow[/b] VSS Unity Commander [list][*]Flying since: 1984 [*]No. of aircraft type flown: 65+ [*]Main types flown: F/A-18, T-38, Space Shuttle [*]Total experience: 8,700+ Hours [*]Spaceflights: 8th[/list] [b]Kelly Latimer[/b] VSS Unity Pilot [list][*]Flying since: 1989 [*]No. of aircraft type flown: 50+ [*]Main types flown: T-38, C-141, C-17, T-34, B-747SP [*]Total experience: 7,000+ Hours [*]Spaceflights: 1st[/list] [b]Nicola Pecile[/b] VMS Eve Commander [list][*]Flying since: 1991 [*]No. of aircraft type flown: 170+ [*]Main types flown: Tornado FMK.3 ADV, NH-500E [*]Total experience: 8,000+ Hours [*]Spaceflights: 1[/list] [b]Mike Masucci[/b] VMS Eve Pilot [list][*]Flying since: 1982 [*]No. of aircraft type flown: 80+ [*]Main types flown: U-2,F-16,T-38, CitationX [*]Total experience: 10,000+ Hours [*]Spaceflights: 4[/list]
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved.