Though physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking is famous for his studies of space, he has yet to journey into the cosmos to see them up-close. Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has stepped in to change that, offering the researcher a seat on his spaceship.

Hawking, 75, , Yahoo reports.

"I thought no one would take me, but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic and I said yes immediately," said Hawking.

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Virgin Galactic – Branson’s spaceflight company – hopes to soon , according to the Independent. There were initial plans to complete a flight in 2009, but various complications threw the plan off.

Hawking's work has focused on the basic laws governing our universe. One of his most noted scientific contributions is a collaboration with mathematical physicist Roger Penrose in which they showed and ended in black holes, according to Hawking’s website.

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – shortly after his 21st birthday,his website also said.

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At a Glance

Physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking will finally have the opportunity to travel into space.Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson offered the scientist a seat on his spaceship.