Virgin Galactic has released some details about today’s first captive flight of SpaceShipTwo.
The early morning flight lasted for nearly three hours and achieved an altitude of 45,000 feet. Attached to WhiteKnightTwo, the second generation spacecraft from Scaled Composites lifted off at 7:05am from the Mojave Air and Space Port.
Scaled Composites founder and legendary aerospace designer Burt Rutan said it was a momentous day for the Scaled and Virgin Galactic teams.
“The captive carry flight signifies the start of what we believe will be extremely exciting and successful spaceship flight test program.”
As we reported earlier, captive flights are expected to continue for SpaceShipTwo and will be followed by unpowered glide flights.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic was equally pleased with today’s flight and said it was no surprise the ground-breaking vehicle flew so well.
“The Scaled team is uniquely qualified to bring this important and incredible dream to reality. Today was another major step along that road and a testament to US engineering and innovation.”
According to a press release, Virgin Galactic says it has already taken in around $45 million in deposits for space flights from more than 330 people.
The test program for SpaceShipTwo will continue through the rest of the year and 2011. There has been no announcement of a date for the first commercial flight carrying paying customers.
More photos, including close ups of SpaceShipTwo in flight after the jump.
Close up of SpaceShipTwo mounted on center pylon of WhiteKnightTwo
Close up of SpaceShipTwo showing tufts of yarn used to aid aerodynamic testing
SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo departing the Mojave Air and Space Port
Easy formation flying over the Mojave Desert
Flying over the Mojave Desert
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