Space tourism

Virgin Galactic signs spaceflight deal with US authority


WhiteKnightTwo, carrying SpaceShipTwo, sits on display outside the hangar facility at Spaceport America, northeast of Truth Or Consequences, on October 17, 2011 in New Mexico
Spaceport America, in southern New Mexico, is the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport

Virgin Galactic has signed a deal with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), which will allow it to charter space flights from its base in the US state of New Mexico.

The agreement lays out rules for how the flights will be integrated into US air space.

In a statement, Virgin Galactic said the deal brings it "another step closer" to commercial space flights.

The firm hopes to launch its first flight by the end of 2014.