Virgin Galactic has announced that their VSS Enterprise has made its first ‘feathered’ flight, which is the VSS Enterprise’s unique reentry ‘feather’ configuration. This is the third test flight in the last couple of weeks, and according to Virgin Galactic, the latest one marks a new milestone on the way to powered test flights and commercial flights.
This latest flight saw a 6:43AM (local) runway take off for VSS Enterprise, attached to its WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft, VMS Eve. At the controls of the spaceship were Scaled Composites’ test pilots Pete Siebold and Clint Nichols, whilst Mark Stucky, Brian Maisler, and Brandon Inks crewed the purpose-built, all-composite, twin fuselage WK2.
Understanding the ‘Feathered’ Flight Configuration
The ‘feathered’ flight configuration is a unique feature of the VSS Enterprise, designed to ensure a safe and controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. This innovative design allows the spacecraft to reenter the atmosphere at a steep angle, reducing the speed and heat experienced during descent. The feathering mechanism involves rotating the tail booms upwards, creating a high-drag configuration that slows the spacecraft down. This method is inspired by the way a shuttlecock behaves in badminton, ensuring that the spacecraft remains stable and aligned during reentry.
The successful execution of this feathered flight is a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, as it demonstrates the viability of their reentry strategy. This is crucial for the safety of future commercial passengers, as it ensures a controlled and predictable descent back to Earth.
Progress Towards Commercial Space Flights
This third test flight is part of a series of rigorous tests that Virgin Galactic is conducting to ensure the safety and reliability of their spacecraft. Each test flight provides valuable data that helps engineers refine and improve the design and performance of the VSS Enterprise. The ultimate goal is to achieve powered test flights, where the spacecraft’s rocket engine will be ignited to propel it into space.
Virgin Galactic’s vision is to make space travel accessible to the public, offering commercial flights that allow passengers to experience the thrill of space travel and the breathtaking view of Earth from above. However, the cost of a ticket is expected to be quite high, making it a luxury experience for the foreseeable future. Despite this, the advancements made by Virgin Galactic are paving the way for a new era of space tourism, where more people will have the opportunity to venture beyond our planet.
The VSS Enterprise’s successful feathered flight is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Virgin Galactic team. It brings them one step closer to realizing their dream of commercial space travel. As they continue to conduct more test flights and gather data, the day when regular people can buy a ticket to space is drawing nearer.
Head on over to Virgin Galactic for lots more details on their latest space flight. I wonder how long it will be before we are able to buy a ticket, although I suspect the majority of us won’t be able to afford one.
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