Land Rover named official companion vehicle for Virgin Galactic SpaceShips
Land Rover has announced a three-year extension to its global partnership with Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial ‘spaceline’ at the unveil of their latest spaceship.The new Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo was revealed supported by a Range Rover Astronaut Edition, an SV Bespoke vehicle offered exclusively to Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts. Land Rover has an integrated part in the commercial spaceship company's day-to-day operations which includes towing the space vehicles, carrying equipment and clearing runways before take-off.
At $250,000 a ticket for a seat on a Virgin Galactic space flight, getting a free Range Rover seems like a great deal especially when it is a limited edition version. The Range Rover Astronaut comes in only one colour, Zero Gravity Blue which was created just for the Astronaut Edition, "inspired by the depth and intensity of the night sky." There's special badging on the sides and rear of the car as well as puddle lamps which project an image of SpaceShipTwo.
Two discs within the cupholders are made from the front landing skid of the spaceship that completed the first successful space flight in December 2018. Future Astronauts will be able to have the piece replaced with one made from the skid of the ship from their own commercial flight—complete with a personal inscription featuring details of the "life-changing experience."
The Astronaut Edition gets a number of other unique touches including white leather interior with blue stitching. The centre console also has a "DNA of Flight" graphic on the carbon-fibre trim that depicts iconic modes of flight, from Icarus's wings to the Wright Brothers' plane and the Apollo Lunar Module. The same graphic is embossed on the rear armrest, while the headrests have SpaceShipTwo's outline stitched into them.
The luxury SUVs also played key roles during the company’s first two spaceflights which saw Virgin Galactic become the first private company to fly humans to space on a spaceship designed for commercial service. Virgin Galactic has already signed-up around 600 Future Astronaut customers, who will be transported to their flights from Spaceport America, in Land Rover vehicles.
“Land Rover vehicles provide invaluable support on the ground in Mojave and at Spaceport America in New Mexico. It is also fabulous to see our Future Astronauts around the world enjoying the unique Range Rover Astronaut Edition," said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Galactic.
"We are delighted to be able to extend this strong partnership. With a shared pioneering spirit, pursuit of adventure and vision to push the boundaries of travel, this is a natural collaboration between our two companies and one that will take exploration to new heights.’’
Virgin Galactic has a team of eight highly experienced pilots and is preparing for its next rocket-powered flight in New Mexico. Founder Sir Richard Branson is planning to fly to space later in 2021.
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