Upon reaching 47,000 feet altitude and approximately 45
minutes into the flight, SS2 was released from WK2.
After cross checking data and verifying stable control,
the pilots triggered ignition of the rocket motor,
causing the main oxidizer valve to open and igniters to
fire within the fuel case. At this point, SS2 was
propelled forward and upward to a maximum altitude of
55,000 feet. The entire engine burn lasted 16 seconds,
as planned. During this time, SS2 went supersonic,
achieving Mach 1.2.
“We partnered with Virgin Galactic several years ago
with the aspiration to transform and commercialize
access to space for the broader public,” said His
Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman of aabar
Investments PJS. “Today’s test is another key milestone
in realizing that aspiration. Our partnership goes from
strength to strength, and is an excellent example of
aabar’s desire to participate in the development of
world class technologies that are commercially viable
and strategically important, both for the company, its
shareholders, and for Abu Dhabi.”
The entire rocket-powered flight test lasted just over
10 minutes, culminating in a smooth landing for SS2 in
Mojave at approximately 8am local time.
“The rocket motor ignition went as planned, with the
expected burn duration, good engine performance and
solid vehicle handling qualities throughout,” said
Virgin Galactic President & CEO George Whitesides. “The
successful outcome of this test marks a pivotal point
for our program. We will now embark on a handful of
similar powered flight tests, and then make our first
test flight to space.”
In
the coming months, the Virgin Galactic and Scaled test
team will expand the spaceship’s powered flight envelope
culminating in full space flight, which the companies
anticipate will take place before the end of 2013.
“I’d like to congratulate the entire team,” said
President of Scaled Kevin Mickey. “This milestone has
been a long time coming and it’s only through the hard
work of the team and the tremendous support of Virgin
Galactic that we have been able to witness this
important milestone. We look forward to all our upcoming
tests and successes.”
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