Amid a global pandemic, Virgin Galactic is still breaking barriers and redefining space exploration. On May 1st, Virgin Galactic’s newest SpaceShipTwo space plane flew freely over its home base in New Mexico for the first time. This flight was the first of many technological milestones that are inching Virgin Galactic closer to operation in the commercial sectors.
The Future Of Space Travel
While there is no set date for the start of Virgin Galactic commercial flights, it’s no surprise to us at galacticspacex.com that people have already purchased tickets for SpaceShipTwo. This secures them a spot on the innovative space plane and allows them to experience weightlessness and view the Earth from space. This is exciting news for space enthusiasts and scientists. It has many people reflecting on how far we’ve come as a country, and as a planet, regarding space exploration.
One of the people doing a lot of self-reflection these days is Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. In a recently debuted video, Branson pens an intimate and emotional letter to a few very specific future leaders: his grandchildren.
A Letter To My Grandchildren
In this touching five minute video, Branson walks his grandchildren through the significance of the day that the SpaceShipTwo made its first complete flight over New Mexico. His deeply personal letter to his grandchildren starts with detailing the promise and potential that lies before them. It employs them to live life to the fullest, always try to do the right thing, and never lose their sense of adventure.
He then goes on to explain how this monumental day, this flight, came to be. He starts at the beginning, explaining that this space adventure started 50 years ago as a dream. It is a result of decades of challenging and dedicated work. As the video continues, you see breathtaking shots of the VSS Unity in space, and Branson’s emotional reaction as the spaceplane breaks through the atmosphere and launches into space.
Hopes And Dreams For The Future Of Space Travel
He continues his letter with his hopes and dreams for the future generation. Richard beautifully expresses his desire to pass on the love and passion for space exploration to his grandchildren. He hopes they are proud of him for the mark he made in the world.
“By the time you are my age, I believe our lives will have been unimaginably transformed by space. And, because of that, you will be the first generation fully to embrace the planetary perspective on which the future of humanity rests. We are all in this together, fellow travelers on spaceship Earth. I hope you will look back with some pride that your grandad did his bit to try and change the road to space from a narrow and treacherous footpath to a broad highway, open to all”
The Power Of Human Connection
The Virgin Galactic founder dives deep into the power of human connection and teamwork. He mentions how this historic day could not be possible without the teams of people who have worked alongside him. Richard encourages his grandchildren to embrace diversity. He wants them to acknowledge “people who are by your side and on your side regardless of the terrain. People who share your dreams and people, who with great skill and unwavering commitment, help make them a reality.”
The video and letter end with an emotional Branson watching Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity soaring down the runway with tears in his eyes. He ends the letter encouraging the future generation to “hold tight to your childhood spirit of wonder, curiosity, and adventure; and as we open space for everyone, use it to change the world for good.”
Love, Your Ever-Loving-Grand-Dude
It can be easy to think of Richard Branson as a highly successful billionaire, business owner, and financial mogul. But this letter reminds us that he is also a grandfather. He is a grandfather who hopes that his work has made a small impact on the world that his future generations will inherit. His powerful message ends with a simple sendoff:
Your ever-loving grand-dude,
Richard
and is a beautiful tribute from a doting grandfather; a grandfather that just happens to be a pioneer in space exploration.
See The Video
If you haven’t watched the touching five-minute video, you can check it out here
