Richard Branson flew to the edge of space as Virgin Galactic completed its fourth rocket-powered space flight.
VSS Unity reached space, at an altitude of 53.5 miles, before gliding to a runway landing in New Mexico in the US.
The 22nd test flight was the first with a full crew in the cabin, including company founder, Branson.
VSS Unity achieved a speed of Mach 3 after being released from the mothership, VMS Eve.
The crew fulfilled a number of test objectives related to the cabin and customer experience, including evaluating the commercial customer cabin, the views of Earth from space, the conditions for conducting research and the effectiveness of a five-day pre-flight training programme.
Virgin Galactic chief exeutive Michael Colglazier described Sunday’s launch as a “landmark achievement” for the company and a historic moment for the new commercial space industry.
“With each successful mission we are paving the way for the next generation of astronauts,” he said.
“I want to thank our talented team, including our pilots and crew, whose dedication and commitment made today possible.
“They are helping open the door for greater access to space – so it can be for the many and not just for the few.”
Branson added: “I have dreamt about this moment since I was a child, but nothing could have prepared me for the view of Earth from space.
“We are at the vanguard of a new space age. As Virgin’s founder, I was honoured to test the incredible customer experience as part of this remarkable crew of mission specialists and now astronauts. I can’t wait to share this experience with aspiring astronauts around the world.”