But the truth is that it is the final frontier that Virgin Galactic is hoping to exploit and it could be as soon as next year.

FORBES: The John Galts of the Future Will Build Galt's Gulch in Space

Virgin Galactic is hopeful it will have a successful test launch of its space vehicle next year.

FORBES: The John Galts of the Future Will Build Galt's Gulch in Space

In typical outsize Branson fashion, the 61-year-old rappelled from the ceiling of the hangar now called the "Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space" and, while dangling in midair, chugged from a bottle of champagne in front of a large crowd to celebrate.

WSJ: The Weekend Interview with Richard Branson: Space��The Next Business Frontier