The third supersonic test flight's successful mission examined the spaceship's Reaction Control System and thermal protection. January 14, 2014 7:49 AM PST (Credit: Virgin Galactic) Virgin Galactic, the joint venture owned by Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments PJS, announced on Tuesday that its third test flight was a success. Chief Pilot Dave Mackay was at the helm of the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) conducting its third successful supersonic test, Virgin Galactic announced. In addition to ensuring the spaceship could reach supersonic speed, the team tested SS2's Reaction Control System and thermal protection on the tail booms. Related stories Once science fiction, it'll be reality in 2014 NBC reality show to launch real people into space William Shatner's fear of flying keeps him off Virgin Galactic? Get up close and supersonic with Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Virgin Galactic's SS2 brings commercial spaceflight closer to reality (pictures) Here's what Virgin had to say about the test flight: Today's flight departed Mojave Air and Space Port at 7:22 a.m. PST with the first stage consisting of the WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft lifting SS2 to an altitude around 46,000 ft. At the controls of WK2 were Virgin Galactic Pilot Mike Masucci and Scaled Test Pilot Mike Alsbury. On release, SS2's rocket motor was ignited, powering the spaceship to a planned altitude of 71,000 ft. - SS2's highest altitude to date - and at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4. SS2's unique feather re-entry system was also tested during today's flight. The Reaction Control System's successful test was an important milestone for the Virgin Galactic team. The RCS, as it's known, give the pilots full maneuvering capability in space. The thermal protection keeps the tail safe from high temperatures while the rocket motor is firing. Virgin Galactic was founded to get individuals to space on commercial spacecraft. According to the company, it has so far received $70 million in deposits from 580 people looking to go to space on its ship. A seat on Virgin Galactic's spaceship costs $250,000. Once service begins, passengers will go on suborbital space flights and experience space's zero gravity for approximately five minutes. Passengers will be 364,000 feet above Earth.
The third supersonic test flight's successful mission examined the spaceship's Reaction Control System and thermal protection.
(Credit: Virgin Galactic)
Virgin Galactic, the joint venture owned by Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments PJS, announced on Tuesday that its third test flight was a success.
Chief Pilot Dave Mackay was at the helm of the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) conducting its third successful supersonic test, Virgin Galactic announced. In addition to ensuring the spaceship could reach supersonic speed, the team tested SS2's Reaction Control System and thermal protection on the tail booms.
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- Once science fiction, it'll be reality in 2014
- NBC reality show to launch real people into space
- William Shatner's fear of flying keeps him off Virgin Galactic?
- Get up close and supersonic with Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo
- Virgin Galactic's SS2 brings commercial spaceflight closer to reality (pictures)
Here's what Virgin had to say about the test flight:
Today's flight departed Mojave Air and Space Port at 7:22 a.m. PST with the first stage consisting of the WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft lifting SS2 to an altitude around 46,000 ft. At the controls of WK2 were Virgin Galactic Pilot Mike Masucci and Scaled Test Pilot Mike Alsbury. On release, SS2's rocket motor was ignited, powering the spaceship to a planned altitude of 71,000 ft. - SS2's highest altitude to date - and at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4. SS2's unique feather re-entry system was also tested during today's flight.
The Reaction Control System's successful test was an important milestone for the Virgin Galactic team. The RCS, as it's known, give the pilots full maneuvering capability in space. The thermal protection keeps the tail safe from high temperatures while the rocket motor is firing.
Virgin Galactic was founded to get individuals to space on commercial spacecraft. According to the company, it has so far received $70 million in deposits from 580 people looking to go to space on its ship. A seat on Virgin Galactic's spaceship costs $250,000. Once service begins, passengers will go on suborbital space flights and experience space's zero gravity for approximately five minutes. Passengers will be 364,000 feet above Earth.
