Virgin Galactic introduced on Wednesday that its upcoming “Unity 23” mission will embrace the primary business analysis payload within the firm’s launch historical past — that payload being three paying passengers from the Italian Air Force.

The IAF members have teamed with the National Research Council to review the consequences on the human physique of transitioning from full 1G gravity to the microgravity felt in orbit. The launch may even carry further devices designed to review the influence microgravity has on varied chemical and bodily properties of the encircling atmosphere, in line with a Wednesday press release from the corporate. 

“The Italian Air Force has always placed great importance on the understanding of space and aerospace,” Lieutenant General Alberto Rosso, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, said in a prepared statement. “Aerospace is the natural operational extension of our institutional duty. Strength in this domain is an asset for the country and is critical to its protection and safety, which is why the Air Force places great emphasis on further deepening its knowledge. With this mission, the Italian Air Force aims to start exploring potential implementations for this kind of vehicle – both civilian and military – and to further opportunities for technological, scientific and industrial growth.”

Unity 23, when it launches throughout its window between late September and early October, would be the first Virgin Galactic flight since firm founder, Richard Branson and crew accomplished their history-making flight in July.