Innovation and New Product Development Case Study

Virgin Galactic: Game Plans for Space Tourism

OR

Abstract:
In mid-2004, the launch of the first non-governmental, manned 'rocket-powered sub-orbital vehicle' called SpaceShipOne ushered in the new era of space travel. Richard Branson's Virgin Group, a British business conglomerate entered into a licensing deal with Mojave Aerospace Ventures, which owned the technology of the spacecraft. With this technological assistance, Branson's 'Virgin Galactic' company aims to become the world's first commercial space tourism operator. Branson plans the commercial launch of his sub-orbital space vehicles by 2007. The company has further plans for orbital space travel, space hotels and eventually carrying travellers to moon. However, skepticism abounds about Virgin Galactic's plans of affordable space travel in terms of safety and cost.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the viability of Virgin Galactic’s plans of safe and affordable space travel
• To discuss the potential of commercial space tourism.

Keywords : Virgin Galactic; SpaceShipOne; White Knight; Richard Branson's plans for space travel; Scaled Composites Ltd; Tier One Programme; Sub-orbital space flight; Innovation Management Case Study; Ansari X-Prize; Majave Aerospace Ventures; VSS Enterprise; Space Hotel; Space tourism

Contents:

• Launch of SpaceShipOne
• Virgin Galactic's Plans for Space Travel
• The Future Space