Credit: MarsScientific.com and Clay Center Observatory
For the first time ever, SpaceShipTwo fired its rocket engine in flight! A major milestone in commercial human spaceflight.
According to a Virgin Galactic report: “Wheels stop—SpaceShipTwo safely on the ground after a triumphant day in the sky. So proud of our team!”
SpaceShipTwo pilots Stucky and Alsbury confirm: SpaceShipTwo exceeded the speed of sound on today’s flight!
The weather today is perfect at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California for making a little history.
Taking off this morning was the WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo – and all looks go for the first powered flight of the SpaceShipTwo.
The WhiteKnightTwo mothership is taking the piloted rocket ship up to altitude for release. Once on its own, the SpaceShipTwo pilots will fire for the first time the craft’s hybrid rocket motor.
This is WhiteKnightTwo’s 115th flight, SpaceShipTwo’s 26th – 25 of which have been glide tests.
Says entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson, who is bankrolling the spaceliner: “Occasionally you have days that are ridiculously exciting. Today is such a day.”
By Leonard David