The merchant spacecraft is meant to

It’s 60 feet long, made of lightweight, fuel-efficient material and can carry eight people out of this world and back.
    The first commercial spaceship was unveiled by Sir Richard Branson, who hopes to start passenger trips within two years. The price tag: ￡130,000.
    "In time we hope to get that price down and down and down so that, you know, one day, people can think: ’Shall I take my family on holiday to the Caribbean or maybe we should try space travel this year?’ That’s our aim."
    Those that can pay will get the ultimate three-hour thrill ride. The spaceship rockets to 62 miles above the earth’s surface. Passengers will feel weightless for up to five minutes before heading down through the atmosphere and gliding back to earth.
    Organisers say some 300 have already signed up. Space, as a tourist destination, may be one step closer.