Clockwise from top left to right are Walter Villadei, Angelo Landolfi, Colin Bennett and Pantaleone Carlucci. The group is set to launch Thursday on a research mission to the edge of space.
Mandatory Credit:	Virgin Galactic

Clockwise from top left to right are Walter Villadei, Angelo Landolfi, Colin Bennett and Pantaleone Carlucci. The group is set to launch Thursday on a research mission to the edge of space.
Mandatory Credit: Virgin Galactic

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Virgin Galactic is launching its first commercial space mission. Here’s what to know

Virgin Galactic, the venture founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, is finally prepared to launch its first paying customers to the edge of space — a milestone two decades in the making.