As a brand partner since 2014, Land Rover was delighted to be at the service of the Virgin Galactic space crew as they embarked on their first commercial space flight from New Mexico in July. Joined by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson, the SpaceShipTwo Unity craft launched with four Mission Specialists and two pilots, as part of a mission to set new benchmarks in technical and human achievement and take personal adventure to new heights. Sir Richard arrived for the mission in a Range Rover Astronaut Edition – created by Land Rover SV Bespoke exclusively for Virgin Galactic Future Astronaut customers* – and upon landing, the spacecraft was towed back to waiting well-wishers by the supremely capable Land Rover Defender 110. With a towing capacity of 3,500kg or 3.5 tonnes, Defender was the ideal vehicle to transport the spacecraft, being built to withstand the most challenging conditions, and heavy loads, with absolute confidence. |