Female Pakistani-born polar explorer to become one of the first ‘tourist astronauts’

A Pakistani- born polar explorer will be one of the first ' Founder Astronauts' to fly with Virgin Galactic when it begins commercial flights in 2020.

Namira Salim was one of the original passengers to sign up with Richard Branson's commercial space liner when it was announced in 2005.

The ' Founder Astronauts' - those people who signed up to be amongst the first passengers - have been given diet and fitness plans to follow, fitted into their spacesuits and undergone training with Virgin Galactic crew.

'Going into space has been a dream of mine since childhood', Ms Salim told Yahoo Finance show 'On the Move'.

As part of preparations for a 2020 launch the first cohort of travellers have been fitted into their own custom- built spacesuits designed by Under Armour.

Mr Salim says her suit is incredible and only needed a few tweaks for the fit to be perfect.

'The excitement building up and the whole plan on how it's going to happen' is amazing, she said.

The suits are being tailor-made for each Virgin Galactic astronaut, and will include a clear pouch in the jacket over the heart where travellers can keep a photo of a loved one.

Being fitted for a suit isn't the only preparation astronauts are having to prepare for.

The future passengers have been given a diet and fitness plan and have undergone training with the VSS Unity crew so they know what to expect when they fly.

The fitness programme was designed in part by Under Armour who aim to help the astronauts perform to a level which 'unlocks their true potential'.

Virgin Galactic also discussed how future training can be arranged to best prepare those waiting to fly.