Despite fatal crash, Richard Branson vows to be Virgin Galactic's first space passenger

Days after Virgin Galactic spacecraft exploded over California's Mojave Desert, Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson has reportedly said that he still plans to be on his company's first craft that takes tourists to space.

Branson said on Monday that he wouldn't ask others to go on a spacecraft if he didn't feel it was safe enough for him, reported the CNN.

He added that the 800 tourists, who have signed for the journey and have deposited 250,000 dollars each, remained supportive of his company's plans and that two more passengers had signed up for the flights on Friday to show their support for the endeavor.

Branson said that despite the death of co-pilot Michael Alsbury, the risk is "worth it" and that "Mike would have been the first to say that."

Three people were killed in 2007 at the Virgin Galactic spaceport when a rocket motor for the spacecraft exploded while it was being tested on the ground.

Critics have argued that Branson and his space tourism company have underplayed the risk involved in space tourism.