SpaceShipTwo crash: Richard Branson remains confident, says he will be first space passenger

Zee Media Bureau

Washington: British Billionaire and Virgin Galactic chief Sir Richard Branson remains confident and says that he will be the first passenger on his company's first flight to the space, despite the crash of his SpaceShipTwo during a test flight over California's Mojave Desert few days ago, reports suggest.

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During an interview with an international news channel on Monday, Branson said that he wouldn't ask others to go on a spacecraft if he didn't feel it was safe enough for him.

He said that all the 800 tourists, who have signed for the journey and have deposited USD 250,000 each, remained supportive of his company's plans. He added that two more passengers had signed up for the flights on Friday to show their support for the endeavour.

Branson said that despite the crash and the death of co-pilot Michael Alsbury, “the risk is worth it”, Mike would have been the first to say that.

Despite Branson boasting about the unconditional support from various sections, critics have downplayed his space tourism company for underplaying the risk involved in space tourism.

(With Agency inputs)