Virgin Galactic Reaches 'Space' For The First Time Ever

Source: Forbes

Virgin Galactic has just reached one of the biggest milestones in its history – its first test flight to space, a crucial step in ushering in the age of space tourism.

The flight of their SpaceShipTwo space plane, called VSS Unity, took place in the early morning today, December 13 from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. On board were pilots Mark Stucky and Frederick Sturckow.

Their vehicle was carried into the air by a larger aircraft called WhiteKnightTwo, or VMS Eve. The two lifted off from the runway at about 7.11am local time (3.11pm UTC).

At about 13,000 meters (43,000 feet) in altitude and at 8am local time (4pm UTC), VSS Unity was dropped from its mothership, when its rocket motor kicked to life. Burning for 60 seconds, it took it to a supersonic speed of Mach 2.9.

Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanocallaghan/2018/12/13/virgin-galactic-reaches-space-for-the-first-time-ever/