On Thursday, Virgin Galactic performed a second test flight of its SpaceShipTwo (SS2) where it achieved supersonic flight over the Mohave Desert.
Virgin Galactic announced in a press release that with the successful test, it is on track for commercial flight beginning in 2014. Galactic confirmed that SS2 demonstrated all technical mission phases for a single flight for the first time. In addition, its unique "feathering" system for re-entry was deployed at high altitude for the first time.
"This flight milestone represents a key step forward for the Virgin Galactic team. ... I would like to congratulate the whole team on their continued success," H.E. Khadem Al Qubaisi, chairman of aabar Investments PJS, said.
To test the SS2, Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft was launched from the Mohave Air and Space Port where it ascended to an altitude of 46,000 feet. Upon reaching the altitude the suborbital aircraft, the SS2, piloted by Mark Stucky and Clint Nichols of Scaled Composites took control for a 20-second burn to take it to 69,000 feet. During its flight, the SS2 was able to reach Mach 1.43, its maximum speed.
Shortly thereafter it was able to successfully land back in Mohave.
Richard Branson commented on the flight, "We couldn't be more delighted to have another major supersonic milestone under our belts as we move toward a 2014 start of commercial service. It was particularly thrilling to see for the first time today the whole elegant system in action during a single flight, including the remarkable feathering re-entry system."
According to Daily Mail, the feathering system is designed to help reduce drag on the wings and slow the spaceship down as reenters Earth's atmosphere and prepares to land.
image: Wikimedia Commons
