Billionaire Branson, 'Space Tourism' Pioneer, Returning to Earth (Update)

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Group, has succeeded in space tourism as the first civilian and is currently returning.

The Virgin Galactic spacecraft 'Unity,' on which Chairman Branson was aboard, separated from the mothership and ignited its rocket to soar into space around 11:27 a.m. on the 11th (Eastern Time, U.S.).

According to footage provided by Virgin Galactic, Branson and other passengers briefly experienced weightlessness.

Branson shared his thoughts during the return, saying, "I watched the beautiful space." He is currently returning to Earth after about four minutes of space experience.