Virgin Galactic vehicles get green light for rocket flights
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Space travel took a further step this week when Virgin Galactic’s vehicles were given the green light to operate rocket-powered flights.
Launch permits have been issued for SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which means their developers can test rocket-powered flights. SpaceShipTwo has also completed 16 rocket-free flights with three using its ‘feathering’ re-entry system, while WhiteKnightTwo has completed 80 flights.
Rocket motor components will be integrated into the autumn with rocket-powered, supersonic flights to be tested at the end of the year.
“This important milestone enables our team to progress to the rocket-powered phase of test flight, bringing us a major step closer to bringing our customers to space,” said George Whitesides, president and CEO of Virgin Galactic. “We thank the FAA for their timely issuance of this permit, and for their responsible oversight of the test program”.
Tour operator Seasons welcomed the news as one of the five luxury tour operators accredited to sell the space holidays.
