Branson's space flight to air on NBC platforms next year

NBCUniversal says it has made a deal to televise the inaugural commercial space flight of British tycoon Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo. Branson and his adult children, Holly and Sam, will be the first private passengers to travel on the craft from Virgin Galactic's terminal at Spaceport America in New Mexico next year. "Without a doubt, Sir Richard and his children taking the first commercial flight into space, will go down in history as one of the most memorable events on television," Sharon Scott, president and general manager of Peacock Productions, said in a statement Friday. "Through NBCUniversal's multiple platforms and overseas network partners, viewers from around the world will get to experience this 'Where were you moment?' We're extremely honored to chronicle Sir Richard's journey and live launch into space." "Virgin Galactic is thrilled that NBCUniversal will join us on our exciting first journey to space," said Branson. "In this first chapter of commercial space travel, we will help make space accessible and inspire countless more people to join us in the pursuit of space exploration and science innovation."