SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo Mothership fly over Mojave Air and Space Port. Credit: Virgin Galactic
SpaceShipTwo – the private spaceliner for space tourists – flew today on its 15th drop test over the Mojave Air and Space Port in California.
The unique and futuristic suborbital vehicle is being readied to haul pay-per-view passengers to and from the edge of space. The two-pilot, six passenger space plane is being financially backed by British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson under his Virgin Galactic company.
Since October 10, 2010, the rocket plane has been undergoing a series of drop tests from high-altitude, released from the WhiteKnightTwo mothership.
Today’s glide flight lasted 7 minutes and 39 seconds. During its high-altitude freefall, the craft was put through various objectives.
According to Mojave-based Scaled Composites – designers and builders of the WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo launch system – all tests were achieved as the craft glided to a runway touchdown at the Mojave Air and Space Port.
Still to come on the flight test check list: The addition of powered flights of SpaceShipTwo by hybrid rocket motor. This engine is being built by Sierra Nevada Corporation and will propel the two-pilot, six passenger vehicle to the edge of space.
Eventually, SpaceShipTwo tourists are to fly from New Mexico’s Spaceport America.
By Leonard David