Virgin Galactic has this week released a new video showing its second rocket-powered test flight, in preparation for its start to taking customers into space during 2014.
Virgin Galactic has been created by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and has been designed to provide sub-orbital spaceflights to space tourists, suborbital launches for space science missions, and orbital launches of small satellites. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action during its test flight.
“Sir Richard Branson’s thoughts on SpaceShipTwo’s second rocket-powered test flight. Telescope footage by MarsScientific.com and Clay Center Observatory.”
SpaceShipTwo: A Leap Forward in Space Tourism
The first SpaceShipOne only had a single pilot and the ballast equivalent of two passengers, but the latest SpaceShipTwo will have a crew of two and room for six passengers. This significant upgrade allows for a more immersive and shared experience for those venturing into space. SpaceShipTwo is designed to reach altitudes of over 100 kilometers, which is the internationally recognized boundary of space, known as the Kármán line. This will provide passengers with a few minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth.
Virgin Galactic’s space tourism venture aims to make space accessible to more people than ever before. The company has already sold hundreds of tickets, with prices initially set at $250,000 per seat. This price includes three days of pre-flight training and a unique experience that promises to be unlike any other. The training ensures that passengers are well-prepared for the physical and emotional sensations of space travel.
Technological Innovations and Future Prospects
SpaceShipTwo is not just about tourism; it represents a significant technological advancement in aerospace engineering. The spacecraft is launched from a carrier aircraft, WhiteKnightTwo, at an altitude of about 50,000 feet. Once released, SpaceShipTwo ignites its rocket engine to propel itself into space. This air-launch method is more efficient and flexible compared to traditional ground launches.
The spacecraft is also equipped with a feathering system, which allows it to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere safely. This system tilts the wings upward, creating more drag and slowing the spacecraft down, ensuring a smooth and controlled descent. This innovative approach to re-entry is a key safety feature that sets SpaceShipTwo apart from other spacecraft.
Virgin Galactic is also looking beyond space tourism. The company plans to use its technology for scientific research and small satellite launches. Suborbital flights can carry scientific experiments that require a few minutes of microgravity, providing valuable data for researchers. Additionally, the ability to launch small satellites into orbit opens up new opportunities for telecommunications, Earth observation, and other applications.
For more information on the new Virgin Galactic spacecraft, jump over to the Virgin Galactic website for details.
Source: Virgin Galactic
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