What's a billionaire to do when his private spaceflight dreams tragically and literally crash? Richard Branson, founder of private space tourism and satellite launch company Virgin Galactic, is looking to regain lost momentum, and fulfill the company's promise to move forward. To that end, they're enlisting the help of Professor Stephen Hawking. In February, if Hawking is feeling well enough, he'll unveil Virgin Galactic's new spaceship.

From Branson:

Professor Stephen Hawking is one of the people I admire most in the world, an undisputed genius who has opened our eyes to the wonders of the universe, while also happening to be a kind and delightful man. He is the only person I have given a free ticket with Virgin Galactic, and he is signed up to fly as a Future Astronaut with us if his health permits it.