New Nat Geo Series to Spotlight Space Tourism

LONDON: National Geographic Channel is presenting a new four-part documentary, to be produced by Darlow Smithson Productions over a two-year period, which follows entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and aeronautical engineer Burt Rutan as they launch the first commercial spaceline.

Virgin Galactic will document the pioneers in space tourism, Virgin’s pilots and crew, and their first passengers, with plans calling for 50,000 people to travel into space in the first 10 years of operation. The first episode, slated to air in spring, will follow the first test flight of the newly unveiled VSS Enterprise as it is taken to a height of 50,000 feet and released from its launch vessel, White KnightTwo.

Throughout further episodes cameras will chronicle SpaceShipTwo’s first rocket-powered flight; follow Rutan, Branson and his two children as they make preparations for their historic flight; and capture as the spaceline’s first passengers take their trip.

The series will be distributed by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

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“This series represents what we are all about—historic drama and adventure,” commented Steve Burns, NGC’s executive VP of content. “We are honored to provide people with a window into the historic work of the incredible team at Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites as well as the vision of Burt Rutan and Richard Branson, whose drive and passion promise to make space travel a reality.”

Tom Brisley, the executive producer for Darlow Smithson Productions, added, “Over the next two years we will be there every step of the way to document what is set to be one of the most significant breakthroughs in space travel history.”