SPACESHIPONE COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL TEST FLIGHT

Scaled Composite’s X PRIZE entry “SpaceShipOne” vehicle flew its twelfth test flight over the Mojave Desert on March 11. The objectives of the flight were to help train a new pilot, to test the reaction control system, and to verify stability and performance of the vehicle with the newly installed airframe thermal protection system. According to a company spokesperson, “Launch conditions [from the White Knight carrier aircraft] were 48,500 feet and 125 knots. All systems performed as expected and the vehicle landed successfully while demonstrating the maximum cross wind landing capability.” For additional details click here.