Updates SpaceShipTwo to begin powered flights by end of year!

Virgin Galactic ‏@virgingalactic
SS2’s pilots have just given the “release” command, and SpaceShipTwo is now flying freely for the 26th time. Photos and more details to come
 
http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/item/virgin-galactic-breaks-speed-of-sound-in-first-rocket-powered-flight-of-spaceshiptwo/

The test began at 7.02am local time when SS2 took off from Mojave Air and Space Port mated to WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), Virgin Galactic’s carrier aircraft. Piloting SS2 were Mark Stucky, pilot, and Mike Alsbury, co-pilot, who are test pilots for Scaled, which built SS2 for Virgin Galactic. At the WK2 controls were Virgin Galactic’s Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, assisted by Clint Nichols and Brian Maisler, co-pilot and flight test engineer, respectively, for Scaled.

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.
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946525_476538399082231_1730066409_n.jpg
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SS2 is planning to go into space by the end of the year. That person will be the first American to traverse into space from US soil since STS-135.
 
I didn't know they'd chosen a pilot! Guess that shows how much I've been paying attention.
 
Kyle said:
I didn't know they'd chosen a pilot! Guess that shows how much I've been paying attention.
Click to expand...

Actually I'm not sure who will fly the first 100k mission, but the Scottish guy is the chief pilot.
 
Kyle said:
Update to that: Mark Stucky and Mike Alsbury were the guys flying SpaceShipTwo.

Man, we really need a SS2 addon.
Click to expand...

I really suck in making meshes. Sorry.
 
Kyle said:
Well look at it this way - no matter how bad you are, you're still probably better than me. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

You have no idea. :lol:
 
I did this model about a year ago but lost everything to to my computer dying on me.
The original mesh was from the Sketchup Warehouse, and I had it converted to 3ds using Babel online, and added an undercarriage. They now charge, but i think its a £1 per conversion. I contacted Branson regarding the textures, as i used photographs, but he didn,t reply as it was the time his villa burnt down. I had a couple of earlier emails from Richard but i forgot to mention the textures. so I set too and re-drew them all by hand.
So yes, there is a model at the warehouse.

http://www.orbiter-forum.com/attachm...1&d=1313705554
 
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