TGR Staff
Land Rover has announced a three-year extension to its global partnership with Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline. The partnership was celebrated with the unveiling of Virgin Galactic's latest spaceship, Spaceship VSS Imagine, which was towed from its hangar in the Mojave Desert by a Range Rover Astronaut Edition. The Astronaut Edition was launched in 2019 and only offered to those who had bought a $250,000 ticket to space with Virgin. Created by Land Rover SV Bespoke and offered exclusively to Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts, these luxury SUVs celebrate the partnership’s shared values and the Future Astronaut community’s historic contribution to the democratization of space.
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. 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.
Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Galactic
Land Rover has been supporting Virgin Galactic's day-to-day operations as the company prepares to offer regular commercial service. A fleet of Land Rovers is used for towing space vehicles, transporting equipment, and for safety vehicles at Spaceport America in New Mexico and at the Mojave test facility.
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.