Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic is facing some serious flak online for its timing. What happened? Well, the company just revealed plans for its first-ever commercial space flight, which is set to blast off on Thursday. But here's the kicker: it's happening just one week after the tragic Titan submersible incident. Talk about distasteful timing! Virgin Galactic's Bold Mission and Social Media Backlash Get ready for takeoff, because Virgin Galactic is gearing up for its Galactic 01 mission. They're sending three passengers from the Italian Air Force and National Research Council into space. Alongside them, a team of five from Virgin Galactic, including an astronaut instructor and four pilots, will make the journey. The mission aims to conduct suborbital science experiments, and guess what? It's all going to be live-streamed for the whole world to see! But hold on to your rocket boosters, folks, because the online community isn't too pleased with Virgin Galactic's announcement. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have been flooded with criticism. People are questioning the decision to promote what some call "extreme tourism" so soon after the Titan submersible tragedy. The comments section is buzzing with disapproval, labeling the timing as insensitive and raising concerns about the safety and high costs associated with such adventures. Did we not learn anything from recent events? Safety Concerns and the Future of Space Tourism Buckle up, space explorers, because the discussion surrounding the ethics and safety of extreme tourism is heating up. Critics argue that the recent tragedy and previous incidents, like the 2014 Virgin Galactic test flight explosion, highlight the risks involved. They also point out that these extravagant adventures cater primarily to the elite, raising questions about accessibility. As the launch date approaches, Virgin Galactic has remained tight-lipped in response to the criticism. Only time will tell how this backlash will affect the company's reputation and its future endeavors in the space tourism industry. So, will this incident put a dent in Virgin Galactic's cosmic aspirations, or will it be smooth sailing for Branson's venture? That's it for today's space news, folks! Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the final frontier and beyond. And hey, if you've got any thoughts on the topic, feel free to blast off in the comments section below (pause 🤣). Until next time, keep reaching for the stars!