Despite reports from earlier this year that Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic would make the first commercial flight into space on Dec. 25 (2013), that reality is at least eight months away, according to Space.com.

"For Galactic, 2014 is the year that we plan to go to space, and start operating commercially," Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides told Space.com. "We believe this moment will represent a major shift in humanity's relationship with space - the moment when the space environment becomes significantly more accessible to new people, new uses and new science,"

Given the complications, dangers, and price ($250,000 per passenger) of space travel, it's probably wise Virgin Galactic is being patient. As Henry Vanderbilt, head of the Space Access Society (SAS) said, "Rule number one of projects is, it will take longer and cost more than you planned...doubly so for advanced aerospace vehicle projects."

Based on most reports, the company is the front runner to launch the commercial flight. Currently, only it and Space X have space craft capable of carrying human passengers in test mode. "X" would appear more technologically developed than Galactic, but it's directed most of its efforts towards military ventures and satellites. Vanderbilt expects fellow American commercial space companies XCOR Aerospace and Blue Orgin to begin testing their own passenger space craft next year, according to Space.com.

Also important to consider is Galactic's customers, who have combined for around $70 million in deposits, according to Virgin Galactic -- and paid quite some time ago. Smartly (or not so smartly), Virgin made the fee refundable. If Space X or another company beats them into space, that may take some of the luster off the $250,000 ticket -- and possibly influence customers to switch companies.

Most recently, Virgin Galactic completed its third test flight on Jan. 10. Not only did the flight include the same spacecraft that will eventually be used on the first passenger flight, but for the first time it included the company's Chief Pilot, Dave Mackay, who presumably will be controlling the shuttle on its first official trip.

"I couldn't be happier to start the New Year with all the pieces visibly in place for the start of full space flights.," CEO sir Richard Branson said in a statement. "2014 will be the year when we will finally put our beautiful spaceship in her natural environment of space. Today, we had our own Chief Pilot flying another flawless supersonic flight and proving the various systems required to take us safely to space, as well as providing the very best experience while we're up there."