Virgin Galactic's rocket-powered plane Unity 22, lands after a short flight to the edge of space at Spaceport America, near Truth or Consequences, NM, Aug 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

WASHINGTON - Virgin Galactic on Thursday blasted three tourists to the edge of space aboard its air-launched VSS Unity spaceplane, a live stream showed, the Richard Branson-founded company's second commercial mission as it starts routine flights.

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The rocket-powered VSS Unity craft dropped from the carrier plane over New Mexico around 9:20 am local time and blasted its four passengers, a company instructor and three tourists, to an altitude of roughly 88.51 km.