Friday, April 5, 2013

The Moon glows in the backdrop during SpaceShipTwo's 24th glide test above the Mojave Desert in California, on April 3, 2013.
Virgin Galactic

More Milestones for SpaceShipTwo... Several days after posting that significant progress is being made on prepping RocketMotorTwo (RM2) for its maiden flight aboard SpaceShipTwo (SS2), Virgin Galactic revealed that the vehicle itself is moving ever so closer to soaring into space for the first time. Two days ago, the VSS Enterprise achieved its 24th successful glide test and 6th in-flight demonstration of her patented feathered re-entry system above the Mojave Desert in California. Wednesday's test also validated the Enterprise's nitrous loading and venting system...which is crucial in clearing the craft and RM2 for their first powered journey beyond Earth's atmosphere. Considering the way that Virgin Galactic is moving along with the SS2's development program, this journey will hopefully happen before the end of this year.

SpaceShipTwo prior to it being released from White Knight II for a 24th glide test above the Mojave Desert in California, on April 3, 2013.
Scaled Composites / Niki Dugué

SpaceShipTwo is released from White Knight II for its 24th glide test above the Mojave Desert in California, on April 3, 2013.
Scaled Composites / Michael Fuchs

SpaceShipTwo is released from White Knight II for its 24th glide test above the Mojave Desert in California, on April 3, 2013.
Virgin Galactic
Posted by Richard Par at 8:55 PM
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