Land Rover Extends Partnership with Virgin Galactic
Land Rover has announced a three-year extension of its global partnership with "Virgin Galactic," the world's first commercial space travel company.
Unveiling the New Virgin Galactic Vehicle
The latest spacecraft from "Virgin Galactic" was revealed today, supported by the "Range Rover Astronaut Edition." Land Rover will continue to contribute to "Virgin Galactic's" daily operations, coinciding with the latter's completion of test flights for the "SpaceShipTwo" and the initiation of regular commercial services.
The Role of Land Rover Vehicles in Space Operations
Land Rover vehicles play an integral part in the daily life of the "Virgin Galactic" team, with roles including:
- Towing spacecraft
- Loading equipment
- Clearing runways before takeoff
These vehicles also played crucial roles during the company’s first two space flights, which made "Virgin Galactic" the first private company to carry humans into space on a spacecraft designed for commercial services.
A fleet of Land Rover vehicles supported "Virgin Galactic's" transitions from manufacturing and testing facilities in Mojave, California, to the "Spaceport America" facility in New Mexico, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
The Future Astronaut Program
To date, "Virgin Galactic" has registered approximately 600 customers in the "Future Astronaut" program, who will be transported to their flights at "Spaceport America" in Land Rover vehicles.
History of the Range Rover Astronaut Edition
In 2019, Richard Branson, founder of "Virgin Galactic," and Gerry McGovern, CEO of "Jaguar Land Rover," unveiled the "Range Rover Astronaut Edition," created by the "SV Bespoke" division of Land Rover. These vehicles are exclusively provided to "Future Astronauts" at "Virgin Galactic."
These luxurious SUVs celebrate the shared values between both parties and the historic contribution of the "Future Astronaut" community in making space accessible to all.
Virgin Galactic Team and Future Space Flights
"Virgin Galactic" has a specialized team of eight highly experienced pilots and is currently preparing for its next rocket flight in New Mexico, where founder Richard Branson aims to fly to space later in 2021.
Statements from Company Leaders
Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of "Jaguar Land Rover" North America, stated, "Facilitating space travel for explorers around the world is the next great adventure, and Land Rover is proud to collaborate with the 'Virgin Galactic' team to support all Future Astronauts in their journey beyond traditional adventure boundaries."
Michael Colglazier, CEO of "Virgin Galactic," noted, "Land Rover vehicles provide invaluable on-ground support in Mojave and at 'Spaceport America' in New Mexico. It’s fantastic to see members of the 'Future Astronaut' program worldwide enjoying the 'Range Rover Astronaut Edition.' We are thrilled to extend this strong partnership, and with our shared spirit of innovation and adventure, this collaboration between our companies is a natural fit that will push the boundaries of human exploration to new heights."
