Virgin Galactic's VMS Eve mothership and VSS Unity spaceship sit at dawn, ready to send Unity to space
Jameel Janjua was the pilot for VSS Unity's most recent mission, Galactic 07
VMS Eve mothership and VSS Unity spaceship takeoff together from Spaceport America in Las Cruces, New Mexico
VSS Unity releases from VMS Eve and ignites its rocket motor, beginning its journey heavenward
Onlookers watch a live stream of commercial astronaut passengers aboard VSS Unity
Jameel's wife, children, and extended family watch the live stream together
VSS Unity returns to Earth, in the final turn to landing wth the photo chase ship in view
Virgin Galactic's founder, Sir Richard Branson, speaks with assembled guests during Galactic 07
Reflections of VSS Unity and VMS Eve in the windows at Spaceport America
Virgin Galactic's CEO, Michael Colglazier, and founder, Sir Richard Branson, pose post-flight with the commercial astronauts that just returned from a successful Galactic 07 mission
VSS Unity sits in front of Spaceport America following its successful Galactic 07 mission
VSS Unity's Galactic 07 pilot, Jameel Janjua, returns to his family post-flight
Jameel Janjua | Virgin Galactic Astronaut
"I lit the rocket motor. Its power is impressive, and you can feel the acceleration. I thought to myself, 'This is how we reach Mach 3.'"
Virgin Galactic’s most recent spaceflight, Galactic 07, was a monumental achievement for Jameel. His journey to space took 15 years and three tries, a career that began at 13 as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet. Over the years, he accumulated more than 5,200 hours across 65 aircraft types, all leading to this historic moment in space exploration.
“There have been many times in my life when I thought, ‘Ah, space isn't going to happen, but I stayed focused on my goal’.”
Explore
The Shadow Dance of Sovereignty
Series of 18
Echos of Form
Series of 14
The Quiet Professionals
Series of 12
The Cowboy
Series of 25
Portraits
Series of 113