"A few" customers have applied for refunds from Virgin Galactic following last week's tragic test flight which resulted in the death of co-pilot Michael Alsbury.

The space exploration company's chief executive George Whitesides told the Telegraph some potential space tourists have asked for a refund on their $250,000 (approx €200,000) ticket.

He adds that 97% of the 800 pre-booked passengers 'remain committed' to their future space flight.

Alsbury died when the rocket crashed in the Mojave Desert in California on October 31st. Pilot Peter Siebold was injured in the incident.

In a statement on the company's website, Mr Whitesides thanked the public for the messages of support and said "the lessons of October 31st will be learned, and our system and our team will be made stronger for it. The second SpaceShipTwo is already two-thirds complete, and our team are pouring themselves into that project with heightened resolve. Our will is indefatigable, and our team is determined."

A memorial fund for Mr Alsbury has been set up online and has already surpassed its $125,000 goal.