A former Olympian has been named as the crew member for Virgin Galactic’s first space tourism flight.
Jon Goodwin, who competed in canoeing at the 1972 Munich Olympics, will also become the second person with Parkinson’s to reach the edge of space.
The 80-year-old will embark on a journey aboard the VSS Unity next month, along with a mother and daughter who will be the first astronauts from the Caribbean.
Keisha Schahaff, 46, and Anastatia Mayers, 18, at Hong Kong guywill also be the first mother and daughter to travel in space together.
The trio won seats in a drawing to raise funds for Humanity in Space, a nonprofit that sends ordinary citizens into space to give them a “bigger perspective” on the challenges facing Earth.
Unity will reach suborbital space, allowing passengers to enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness and stunning views of Earth before returning to the surface.
Virgin Galactic’s first commercial space flight
Crew excited about ‘magic’ launch
Mr Goodwin, from Newcastle, described the opportunity as “completely magical”.
“I hope this inspires all others facing adversity and shows them that challenges don’t have to inhibit or stop them from pursuing their dreams,” he said.
Ms. Shahaf said she grew up in the Caribbean and never imagined going into space was possible.
“I knew my experiences would change me,” she said.
“I hope I can share this energy and inspire those around me – as a life coach, mother, and ambassador for our beautiful planet.”
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The mission, Virgin Galactic’s second commercial spaceflight and seventh, will be led by a professional pilot and commander, and will also have an astronaut trainer on board to assess the citizen crew.
It will launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico on August 10.
it follows Launched Galaxy 01 at the same location in JuneTwo Italian Air Force colonels and an aerospace engineer were taken to conduct scientific research experiments.
Virgin Galactic aims to offer monthly private flights with seat prices between $250,000 (£191,000) and $450,000 (£344,000).