Virgin says it has so far taken tens of millions of pounds in deposits from hundreds of individuals hoping to become the first space tourists.
In April, Virgin Galactic’s passenger spacecraft completed its first rocket-powered flight in a trial run described by Sir Richard as historic.
SpaceShipTwo flew above California’s Mojave Desert at an altitude of 56,000ft after being released from a carrier aircraft.
The rocket-powered portion of the flight lasted 10 minutes and the flight marks the start of the final stage of testing ahead of a full space flight, which is planned for the end of the year.