Range Rover Astronaut Edition unveiled – available exclusively to Virgin Galactic space flight customers

Land Rover is expanding its partnership with Virgin Galactic by introducing the new Range Rover Astronaut Edition, which will only be offered to Future Astronauts signed up to fly to space with Richard Branson’s company.

Based on the Autobiography variant of the Range Rover, the Astronaut Edition is the product of the company’s bespoke division – Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations – and features a number of unique touches to truly make it “out of this world.”

On the exterior, there’s a Zero Gravity Blue paint finish that is “inspired by the depth and intensity of the night sky.” Finer details include puddle lamps that present the silhouette of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, while unique Astronaut Edition badging can be found on the tailgate and side profile finishers.

The SVO team also crafted a dedicated piece from the front landing skid of the spaceship that flew on Virgin Spaceship Unity’s first space flight in December 2018, which is fitted on the B-pillar.

Part of that skid is also used to form two discs within the cup holders, with one referencing a quote by Branson, “see you up there,” while the other has details of the space flight. Once a Future Astronaut completes his or her space flight, the discs will be swapped out with part of the wooden skid from that customer’s own spaceflight that is personally inscribed.

Further bespoke modifications include a “DNA of Flight” graphic on the carbon-fibre front console drawer lid, and this motif is also found on the rear leather armrest. You’ll also find solid aluminium metal door handles engraved with Virgin Galactic’s own Future Astronaut community constellation pattern, as well as on the rear of the front headrests and panel above the glove box.

Customers will also be able to have their initials stitched onto the headrests if they desire, and they will get two engine options. The first is a P400e plug-in hybrid powertrain with 404 PS, or a P525 5.0 litre V8 with 525 PS.

“Land Rover vehicles have been part of daily life for the Virgin Galactic team since the launch of the partnership in 2014. The Astronaut Edition Range Rover is the next step on this journey and the chance for the Future Astronaut Community to celebrate our two brands’ shared values of pioneering spirit and true sense of adventure,” said Gerry McGovern, chief design officer at Land Rover.

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