Virgin Galactic’s aircraft designed for space tourism showcased in new photos


Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo has made its third rocket-powered supersonic flight in the Mojave Desert, soaring to a record 71,000 feet

The third test flight of the commercial spaceship took it to a record 71,000 feet

The company says the reusable space vehicle was carried by airplane to 46,000 feet (14,020 meters) on Friday and then released. The craft then used its rocket motor to reach its highest altitude to date.

SpaceShipTwo and its two-member crew then glided to a safe landing in the desert north of Los Angeles.

Virgin Galactic says the ten-minute test flight moves the company closer to its goal of flying paying passengers into space.

No date has been set for the first commercial flight but hundreds of would-be tourists have made down payments for the chance to fly.

The spaceship’s Reaction Control System and its unique feather re-entry system, as well as a newly installed thermal protection coating, were also tested for the first time.

It does however still have a long way to go before space is reached by the craft – the Kármán line, which commonly represents the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, is at 328,084 feet.


Mr Branson said: “I couldn’t be happier to start the New Year with all the pieces visibly in place for the start of full space flights. 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.”

“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,” added Mr Mackay.

“To be behind the controls and fly it as the rocket ignited is something I will never forget. She flew brilliantly. All the tests went really well and generated vital data that will be used to further fine-tune our operations.”

Read more: Virgin joins 70-mile-high club with launch of spaceship

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