Virgin Galactic confirms completion of inaugural commercial spaceflight

Virgin Galactic announced the completion of its inaugural commercial spaceflight, “Galactic 01,” which carried 13 research payloads and three crew members from the Italian Air Force and National Research Council of Italy to conduct scientific experiments in a microgravity environment. The company said it will now proceed with post-flight inspections and analysis in preparation for its next commercial mission, “Galactic 02,'”which will involve private astronauts. The mission is planned for August, with monthly flights to space beginning thereafter, Virgin Galactic said. Shares of Virgin Galactic are down 14% to $4.10 in afternoon trading.