I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.

Can you afford to ignore China? It's like saying you can afford to ignore the internet. I don't think so.

You can't run a business without taking risks. The brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all!

We spend most of our lives working. So why do so few people have a good time doing it?

Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change. A company that stands still will soon be forgotten. Trying to provoke positive change is a principle we've embedded across the Virgin family for more than four decades.

I like to take chances on people, and whenever possible, promote from within - it sends a great message to everyone in the company when someone demonstrates a passion for the job and leadership skills at every step along the way and is rewarded with a leadership role.

If you can run one business well, you can run any business well.