The increased frequency of flights is crucial for Virgin Galactic’s financial outlook. The company has been operating at a loss for several years, including a loss of over $500 million in 2022. While ticket prices for spaceflights start at $450,000, it will take time for the business to recover its losses. However, attracting paying customers is vital to mitigate losses and build a case for space tourism.
Although Blue Origin and SpaceX have already flown civilians to space at higher altitudes than Virgin Galactic, they have not yet established regular launch schedules for tourists. SpaceX’s lunar trips are pending the completion of Starship testing, while Blue Origin is waiting to resume flights following a rocket failure in 2022. In this regard, Virgin Galactic appears to be the closest to achieving its tourism goals, assuming it maintains the pace it has set this summer.