Virgin Galactic takes giant leap towards launch
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Sir Richard Branson’s space tourism venture, Virgin Galactic, took another giant leap towards its first commercial flight this month, with the completion of its third test voyage.
The latest flight of its passenger-carrying shuttle, SpaceShipTwo (SS2), was successfully completed on Friday 10 January 2014, marking the latest stage in the countdown to Virgin Galactic’s first passenger service, which is expected to take place this summer.
The third test using the rocket-powered, supersonic SS2 departed Virgin Galactic’s spaceport in the Mojave Desert on Friday morning. It was lifted to an altitude of 46,000 feet (14,000 metres) by parent vessel, WhiteKnight 2, before being released. It then used its own rockets to blast to an altitude of 71,000 feet – it’s highest to date.
During the flight several elements of the flight process were tested, including the engines and re-entry systems. And Branson said everything remains on track for the first commercial flight later this year.
“I couldn’t be happier to start the New Year with all the pieces visibly in place for the start of full space flights,” said the Virgin founder.
“2014 will be the year when we will finally put our beautiful spaceship in her natural environment of space. Today, we had our own chief pilot flying another flawless supersonic flight and proving the various systems required to take us safely to space, as well as providing the very best experience while we’re up there.”
Virgin Galactic’s chief pilot, Dave Mackay, said the flight – his first at the controls of SS2 – was a “dream come true”.
“I have watched SS2 evolve over the years into an incredible vehicle that is going to open up space to more people than ever before,” he said. “To be behind the controls and fly it as the rocket ignited is something I will never forget. She flew brilliantly.”
Virgin Galactic’s space flights cost approximately US$250,000 for a two-hour trip, including six minutes of weightlessness. At least 580 people have already bought tickets, with celebrity passengers including Professor Stephen Hawking, Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.
Comments are closed.