In pictures: Virgin Galactic's space tourism dream takes off

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, still mated to mated to its carrier aircraft WhiteKnightTwo, flies over the Mojave Desert in California April 29, 2013 shortly before successfully completing a test flight that broke the sound barrier. Owner Virgin Galactic plans to start flying people aboard SpaceShipTwo as soon as test flights are complete, possibly later this year. REUTERS/Gene Blevins (UNITED STATES) *** Local Caption *** TOR115_ SPACE-VIRGI_0429_11.JPG

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo shortly before successfully completing a test flight that broke the sound barrier. Reuters / Gene Blevins

Owner Virgin Galactic plans to start flying people aboard SpaceShipTwo as soon as test flights are complete, possibly later this year. Reuters / Gene Blevins

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo breaks the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert in California. Reuters / Gene Blevins

Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson and pilot Mark Stucky celebrating the successful flight of SpaceShip2 under rocket power, its first ever since the program began in 2005. AFP Photo / Handout / Mark Greenberg

Sir Richard Branson hugs designer Burt Rutan as they are surrounded by employee's of Virgin Galactic. Photo courtesy Mark Greenberg

Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments owns 38.8 per cent of Virgin Galactic. Photo courtesy Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic hopes to become the first commercial space venture to bring multiple passengers into space on a regular basis. MarsScientific.com and Clay Center Observatory

Bankrolled by British tycoon Sir Richard Branson, it made its first powered flight in a test that moves Virgin Galactic toward its goal of flying into space later this year. AP Photo/Virgin Galactic, Mark Greenberg