Branson Blasts into Space

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July 16, 2021 – New Mexico is aflutter with news of the first fully crewed Virgin Galactic flight from Spaceport America. Sir Richard Branson’s high-profile jaunt into weightlessness on July 11 drew massive attention to the purpose-built New Mexico facility. Will it soon also bring money? The Line opinion panel looks at successes and challenges as the state seeks to leverage the Virgin Galactic spotlight. 

Host: Gene Grant 

Line Guests: 
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR   
Julie Ann Grimm, Santa Fe Reporter, editor and publisher   
Laura Sanchez, attorney    

For More Information: 

Billionaire Richard Branson reaches space in his own ship – Associated Press 

Highlights From Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Flight – The New York Times 

The long, rocky countdown to Sunday’s historic launch – Albuquerque Journal  

Unity watch parties spark excitement – Albuquerque Journal 

Branson Completes Virgin Galactic Flight, Aiming to Open Up Space Tourism – The New York Times 

Virgin Galactic may sell $500m of shares after space success – BBC News