A Family Affair
Branson was joined at the launch site by his youngest son, Sam.
Taking Flight
Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity, aboard WhiteKnightTwo, heads off from the runway on an attempt to reach space.
In the Air
Virgin Galactic's paired vehicles set off for a test flight on Dec. 13, 2018. The larger jet releases the spaceship midflight to continue its climb.
After Separation
Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo and its cargo, SpaceShipTwo, as seen shortly after the two vehicles separated midflight.
Her First Spaceflight
The VSS Unity, Virgin Galactic's space plane, reached a new goal Dec. 13, 2018 — the plane reached space for the first time.
Looking Down
The view from the cockpit during SpaceShipTwo Unity's fourth powered flight.
Earth View From Space
On Dec. 13, 2018, Virgin Galactic reached the goal of reaching space, as defined by the FCC.
Branded Belly
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Unity during its return to Earth on Dec. 13, 2018.
Returning to Earth
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Unity flies back to Earth after reaching an altitude of more than 50 miles during a test flight.
Back to Earth
Following a successful first flight to space, the SpaceShipTwo Unity touches down on the runway.
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