WATCH: Virgin Galactic showcases new Spaceport passenger lounge
Virgin Galactic has revealed “inspired” and “bold” designs in the interior of the ‘Gateway to Space’ building at Spaceport America.
The door has been opened on Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space building, with the company offering details of an Earth and sky inspired design for the facility.
Last month, Travel Weekly reported that Richard Branson was aiming for the launch of Galactic to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing on 20 July, aiming to be the first commercial space-line in the world. Realistically, at this stage, Virgin Galactic expects to make space tourism a reality by the end of this year.
The work completed showcases two floors of the Spaceport America building in New Mexico, primarily focused on spaceflight operations, which also incorporates communal spaces designed for use in the future by Virgin Galactic customers, along with their friends and families.
According to Virgin Galactic, completion of this interior work means the spaceport facility is now operationally functional and able to support flight requirements.
Virgin Galactic says it has “striven to remain faithful” to its tradition of innovation by choosing an “elegant, experience-focused concept for the space launch system itself”.
Similarly, the company’s choice to operate from Spaceport America in New Mexico was due in no small part to the state’s decision to commission landmark architecture for the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
The Foster + Partners Gateway to Space facility pays homage to the past in its “respect for the ancient surrounding landscape” as well as “powerfully embracing the future” through energy efficiency and sustainability.
It was also specifically designed to enable Virgin Galactic to create an unparalleled experience as its customers prepare for journeys of a lifetime before graduating as astronauts.
“The first floor is focused on our home planet, and is named Gaia, representing the point of departure and return, as well as the purpose of each astronaut’s journey,” Virgin Galactic writes on its website.
“Gaia is subtly and unobtrusively zoned into practical, formal and informal spaces which will host the space operations team, Future Astronauts and their family and friends.”
An elevated, interactive digital walkway will “heighten the departure experience” for future astronauts and their friends and family as they set out from Spaceport to VSS Unity on the day of flight.
“The second floor is named Cirrus, representing light, air and flight. It is the beating heart of spaceflight operations, and is connected to the community hub of Gaia below through a double height atrium,” Virgin Galactic adds.
“The color palette graduates from the earthy tones below in Gaia to lighter white and grey shades, reflecting the skies beyond and providing a clean environment supporting operational focus.”
Latest News
Holland America 2026-27 ANZ and Asia cruises now open for booking
Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 Australia, New Zealand and Asia cruises are now open for booking with itineraries including four Legendary Voyages showcasing the premium cruise line’s expertise in longer, destination-rich cruises. Ranging from 13 to 35 days, the carefully crafted routes enable guests to authentically experience some of the globe’s most sought after destinations. From […]
Virgin Australia launches network-wide sale with fares from $49
If your New Year resolution is to travel more, then now here is your chance.
‘A seafood mecca’ – New York Times lists Sydney as the 10th best place to visit in 2025
To clarify, the mecca in this title refers not to the Islamic holy city nor the Australian beauty store.
Disney doubles down with new class and addition of a fourth Wish ship
Disney will hit a lucky 13 ships by 2031 and some can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, maybe from all those fries.
Qatar Airways celebrates Australian Open hosting Dinner with Novak Djokovic
We are sure that the meals were delicious, and there was nothing Novak thought suspicious.
Work hard, play harder! Flight Centre reveals Queensland’s bleisure boom
Poolside bar in Cairns? We look forward to heading up to Travel Daze again this May.
Princess Cruises’ two ships meet in Sydney Harbour in historic first
We hope these siblings didn't fight over who got to dock at OPT first.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor welcomes Channy Chhoeun for a new exhibition
Chhoeun turned from hunter to game painter, a transition that benefits all involved.
LA Fires Update: 2028 Summer Olympics threatened, LAX unimpacted
Horrendous headlines continuing to come out of LA. Thoughts with those impacted.
Seabourn ‘Sail of the Year’ offers up to 15 per cent savings, plus cruise credits
A month away from the everyday chores, plus a few must-see Asian destinations has us hooked already.
Crystal celebrates 35 years at sea with cruise highlights
With the Nobu brand onboard for these special cruises, it's just another reason to buy a pair of elastic-waisted pants.
TV cook Poh Ling Yeow unveiled as NT’s newest ambassador
While she ate her way around the NT, we feel the KFC stop was probably one tucker too far.
APT reveals rebrand for Luxury Travel arm with new look and new monogram
APT Travel Group, Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, has unveiled a transformative rebrand for APT Luxury Travel, introducing a new era with a fresh, contemporary new look. At the heart of the rebrand is a newly designed luxury monogram, replacing the company’s old logo. APT said the elegant, bespoke symbol represents the legacy […]
Brand USA Trade Expo returns to Auckland and Wellington
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US, has announced the return of its New Zealand Trade Expos in partnership with Air New Zealand and United Airlines. Registrations are now open and are free for travel agents. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so agents are encouraged to register early to secure their place […]
Just 5 days left to enter Brand USA’s Sports Odyssey Road Trip Incentive
It appears that journalists can't enter this one and we are very sad about that because this looks great!
Skyscanner says Australian’s are turning to travel to boost morale
Forget affirmations, travel is the new way to boost morale!
Webjet: Demand for last-minute domestic getaways is booming, but where is everyone going?
Basically, people came back to work and then decided they were happier being away. What's new?
Outcry as Spirit of Tasmania IV is scheduled to remain in Scotland for another month
Oh dear...This situation will make you feel a lot less bad about any work errors you have made.
22-year-old dies after tragic elephant bathing accident in Thailand
Tragic and shocking circumstances for all involved.
Tauck celebrates 100th birthday with $2000 agent bonus scheme
Some people expect to receive presents for their 100th birthday, but Tauck is bucking the trend by giving them away.
WATCH: SeaLink unveils virtual fly through tour of two brand new Kangaroo Island ferries
If they have a quiet day, maybe they can send these ferries over to Tassie to help them out.
ANZCRO kicks off 2025 with agent-focused website revamp
Website revamps: great for the customer, often very painful for those actually doing the updates.
Happy moo year! VisitScotland brings in Julie the cow for winter campaign
Rumour has it, Julie was scouted by the same modelling agency who discovered Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid.
YHA Australia completes $9.7 million East Coast refurb with focus on community
This community sounds better than the time we stayed in a Byron Bay hostel and had to drink box wine with 20-year-olds.
Like beer? Don’t let summer pass you by before walking the Inner West Ale Trail
Cracking fun rain, hail or shine. That means this weekend is still on the cards.
Emirates set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline
Good news to start off the year. We wonder if more airlines will follow.
Melbourne conferences to hit new culinary heights as MCEC unveils brand new 2025 menu
After seeing pasta in a cheese wheel go viral, we knew we needed to try it... Looks like we need to get to the MCEC.
Unforgettable Croatia agent famil prize you simply cannot miss
This sure looks a little different to our Croatia sailing experience at 19. There's not a carafe of Margherita in site.
One for the surfers! Hawaiian Airlines to accept sports equipment as standard baggage
Great news for wax-heads, now they just have to worry about the huge Hawaiian waves...
Travel Beyond Group hires Michelle Sargant and Mary Reale
We are only 4 days into the year, and the people moves are coming thick and fast.
Fiji Airways celebrates arrival of new ATR planes to boost regional and South Pacific networks
Fiji Airways is on its way to domination in the Pacific... We're going to need another NRL team!
Learn the Indigenous history of the Byron Bay Lighthouse with Delta Kay’s new walking tour
A press release says guests require, 'moderate fitness and a sense of adventure'. They clearly don't want stragglers.
How much does it cost to spend 188 days at sea? Azamara Cruises launches 2027 world cruise
With rent in Sydney on the up, this might actually be the cheaper option.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives launches a new fine dining menu 6 metres below the surface
Yum. Now you can wave to your Bass before you eat it.
AirAsia returns to the Northern Territory for the first time since 2018
This looks like a gamechanger for people in the NT after an Asian getaway!
CLIA to showcase this year’s hot new ships at online agent event
Keen to see what the latest updates in cruising are? You won't want to miss this.