Branson in countdown to liftoff

UK billionaire Richard Branson said his Virgin Galactic venture is on track to carry its first fare-paying passenger to the edge of space this year.

Branson also revealed that he plans to take his family on a flight some time this year.

Virgin Galactic completed the third rocket-powered supersonic flight of its SpaceShipTwo vehicle from Mojave Air and Space Port in California last month, Branson said today in Dubai. He said Virgin Galactic is on course to meet its operational targets.

"It will be the start of a whole new space era," the said in answer to questions at the 2014 United Arab Emirates Government Summit.

But author Tom Bower has doubts. In his book, Branson Behind the Mask, he says safety regulations, performance issues and the physical challenges of a rocket launch mean Virgin Galactic is unlikely to attain its goal of carrying passengers into sub-orbital flight.

The book was published last week.