From heartthrob actor Leonardo DiCaprio to famed singer Katy Perry, one thing’s for sure – all passengers aboard Richard Branson’s inaugural SpaceShip II flight are used to the finer things.
After receiving more than US $200,000 per would-be astronaut back in 2011, Virgin Galactic has finally partnered with a suitable lux hotel to host guests throughout their three-day pre-flight training programme in New Mexico: Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.
Located around 60 miles from the Spaceport training facilities, the chosen four-star resort will undergo a series of multi-million dollar upgrades, including the creation of an Executive Suite, VIP Wing and customised room service menus.
Simultaneously, Branson’s spaceflight division has announced a contract with World Class Gourmet of Las Cruces, who will cater for guests during their training at Virgin’s $209 million Spaceport America.
“By partnering with Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces and World Class Gourmet, we further our vision of investing in the local New Mexico community while we define the Virgin Galactic astronaut experience,” said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides.
“Future astronauts will come from around the world to New Mexico, so it’s important that they experience the outstanding local offerings and character as part of their experience.”
Despite being marred by numerous setbacks since its public introduction, these most recent partnerships suggests that Virgin’s first commercial spaceflight is getting ever closer to a much-anticipated launch date.