Preparing For My Launch Into Space with Virgin Galactic

“I’m not looking for a thrill ride — I’m looking for perspective.”

Commercial spaceflight has changed dramatically since I first joined the Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut program more than a decade ago. At the time, the idea of private citizens flying to space was still theoretical. Today, it’s a developing industry backed by real timelines, operational vehicles, and accelerating technological progress. The growth has been steady and exciting to watch, and each new milestone makes the entire vision feel more tangible. What once felt like a distant possibility now feels like an industry forming right in front of us.

Virgin Galactic is now preparing its Delta-class spacecraft, the next-generation fleet designed to support frequent suborbital flights beginning in 2026. More than 90% of the structural components for the first vehicle are complete. Research missions are targeted for 2026, followed by private astronaut flights later that same year. For the first time, the path to routine commercial spaceflight is clearly defined. The level of planning and precision that goes into this stage is impressive, and it’s clear the team is focused on building something built to last for many years of operations. Knowing that these vehicles are moving from a concept to construction gives the entire program a new sense of momentum.

My interest in space started in childhood. Looking up at the night sky pushed me to imagine what it would feel like to see Earth from above. That curiosity never faded. Over the years, it turned into a commitment — not just to fly, but to gain a perspective only a few hundred people in history have ever experienced. I spent several years reading about astronauts, space missions, and the early days of exploration, and each story only strengthened my desire to someday see that view with my own eyes. The feeling of wonder from childhood grew into a lifelong goal.

Mining and commercial spaceflight share more similarities than people expect. Both require patience, planning, discipline, and the willingness to work in environments defined by uncertainty. Mining uncovers what lies beneath us. Space exploration pushes outward into what’s beyond us. Both demand long-term thinking and execution. This parallel has always stood out to me because both paths require responsibility and respect for the unknown. When you work in fields with so much complexity, you learn to make decisions with care and to focus on the bigger picture. Those lessons form how you lead and how you handle challenges.

The broader space industry is evolving quickly. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are creating a new era of competition and capability. Launches are more frequent, hardware is improving, and the opportunity for civilians to participate is becoming increasingly real. Each announcement brings more public interest, and it’s encouraging to see how many people around the world are now paying attention to space in a new way. We are watching the start of a new chapter in human progress, and it continues to unfold at a steady pace.

I’m #444 on the manifest, and with Virgin Galactic’s updated schedule, my flight is getting closer. My preparation now is simple: stay healthy, stay ready, and stay focused. I’m not looking for a thrill ride — I’m looking for perspective. Astronauts often talk about the “overview effect,” and I want to bring that clarity back into my work and leadership.

Every successful mission, whether by Virgin Galactic or any company pushing the frontier forward, represents progress for all of us. As more people see Earth from above, I believe we’ll make better decisions about the planet we share.

I look forward to being one of them.

“When more people see Earth from above, we’ll make better decisions about the ground we stand on.”