It's been more than three months since a fatal Virgin Galactic test flight crash over the Mojave Desert called into question the survival of commercial space tourism.
However, Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides says the company's plan is back on track with testing to continue in 2015, according to the Associated Press:
"I really think we're turning the corner," said Whitesides. "We've gone through one of the toughest things a company can go through and we're still standing, and now we're really moving forward with pace."
According to the AP, the company's manufacturing crew is more than halfway finished building a new spacecraft, while the operations team is beginning preparation for future test flights.
A visitors' gallery is also scheduled to open at New Mexico's Spaceport America in late February.
But it remains to be seen whether 2015 will be the breakthrough year the company originally predicted.
"Our company has spent a lot of time and money to get to the point where we can carry out successful commercial operations at Spaceport America. We're still committed," added Whitesides.
Despite Whitesides' confidence in Virgin Galactic's progress, some lawmakers are ready to move on as they are being asked for nearly $2 million more this year to make up for the lost fees resulting from the delay in the company's commercial flights.
Nonetheless, with so much having been invested already, Virgin Galactic's quest is sure to continue.
"I really think we're on the edge of something truly incredible, which is enabling people and students to experience space, whether going themselves or sending their experiments," said Whitesides. "These things are hard. That's why they haven't happened yet."
While 2015 is certain to be a paramount year for Virgin Galactic and the space tourism industry, only time will tell if it'll be a gratifying one.
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