Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. came to a step closer to sending clients to orbit on Friday as federal regulators extended the company’s operator license.Virgin is competing with Blue Origin LLC in the accelerating race to carry space tourists on short suborbital flights. Blue Origin, initiated by Jedd Bezos, moved that race forward earlier this month when it stated that its first manned flight will occur in July, with Mr. Bezos himself as a passenger.On Friday, Virgin stated that the Federal Aviation Administration approved Virgin’s full commercial space-launch license, opening the door for outside passengers to join flights. The approval followed a test flight on May 22.Virgin Galactic shares surged at roughly 30% on Friday, to $52.37 in midafternoon trading.Blue Origin has applied for but hasn’t yet received similar approval from the FAA, an FAA spokesman stated. “As for all license application reviews, the FAA will make a decision when and if all regulatory requirements are met, “the agency spokesman stated of Blue Origin’s application.