Branson names spaceship after mother

Following the unveiling of Virgin Galactic's new spaceship system in the United States earlier this year, came the revealing of the beautiful new Philippe Starck inspired aircraft and spaceship livery.

To the surprise and delight of his mother, Eve, Sir Richard Branson announced that not only would the first carrier aircraft be named in her honour, but that the "Galactic Girl" figurehead who will feature prominently on all Virgin Galactic vehicles, was based on photographs of Eve as a young woman.

As Richard said: "If you're going to build a mothership, it's only right that you should name it after your mother!"