In pictures: Virgin Galactic's space tourism dream takes off

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  Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, still mated to mated to its carrier aircraft WhiteKnightTwo, flies over the Mojave Desert in California April 29, 2013 shortly before successfully completing a test flight that broke the sound barrier. Owner Virgin Galactic plans to start flying people aboard SpaceShipTwo as soon as test flights are complete, possibly later this year. REUTERS/Gene Blevins (UNITED STATES) *** Local Caption *** TOR115_ SPACE-VIRGI_0429_11.JPG

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  Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo shortly before successfully completing a test flight that broke the sound barrier. Reuters / Gene Blevins

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  Owner Virgin Galactic plans to start flying people aboard SpaceShipTwo as soon as test flights are complete, possibly later this year. Reuters / Gene Blevins

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  Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo breaks the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert in California. Reuters / Gene Blevins

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  Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson and pilot Mark Stucky celebrating the successful flight of SpaceShip2 under rocket power, its first ever since the program began in 2005. AFP Photo / Handout / Mark Greenberg

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  Sir Richard Branson hugs designer Burt Rutan as they are surrounded by employee's of Virgin Galactic. Photo courtesy Mark Greenberg

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  Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments owns 38.8 per cent of Virgin Galactic. Photo courtesy Virgin Galactic

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  Virgin Galactic hopes to become the first commercial space venture to bring multiple passengers into space on a regular basis. MarsScientific.com and Clay Center Observatory

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  Bankrolled by British tycoon Sir Richard Branson, it made its first powered flight in a test that moves Virgin Galactic toward its goal of flying into space later this year. AP Photo/Virgin Galactic, Mark Greenberg

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