Things are hotting up in the private space-race, as Richard Branson has revealed that his firm, Virgin Galactic , will be in space in weeks.

During an interview with CNBC ’s Nancy Hungerford, Branson said that Virgin Galactic is ‘more than tantalisingly close’ to reaching space.

He said: “We should be in space within weeks, not months.

“And then we will be in space with myself in months and not years.

(Image: Virgin Galactic)

"We will be in space with people not too long after that so we have got a very, very exciting couple of months ahead.”

While tourist trips to space are likely to be pricey, Branson said he remains optimistic about filling the trips.

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He added: “If I have a room full of 10 people, eight out of 10 would love to go to space if they could afford it.

(Image: Virgin Galactic)

“So I think the market for people who would love to become astronauts and go to space is gigantic.

"And it is up to us to produce as many spaceships as we can to cater with that demand.”

Virgin Galactic is in close competition with two other private space firms - SpaceX, which is owned by SpaceX, and Blue Origin, which is owned by Jeff Bezos.