Virgin Galactic's attempt to develop the world's first commercial manned space flight system and tourism business completed a crucial step this weekend.
The SpaceShipTwo, also known as VSS Enterprise, achieved a manned free flight from over 45,000 feet. It was released from its mothership at an altitude of 45,000 feet as pilot Pete Siebold and co-pilot Mike Alsbury flew free and glided back to land at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California.
The free flight also allowed for other system and performance checks.
"To see the world's first manned commercial spaceship landing on a runway is a sight I always dreamed I would behold," stated Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides in a press release. "Now, our challenge going forward will be to complete our experimental program, obtain our FAA license and safely bring the system into service at Spaceport America, New Mexico."
The Christian Science Monitor reported that rocket tests lie ahead. Sunday's flight simulated what will be the last phase of any future space shot.
The newspaper reported that Virgin Galactic owner Richard Branson recently promised that the ship would begin its space shots within 18 months. More than 340 people have signed up, including about 100 who have paid the $200,000 fare and others who have made down payments of $20,000.
The Seattlepi.com blog said that the company plans to operate from Spaceport America in New Mexico. A runway inauguration ceremony is set for Oct. 22.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:03:45 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people are injured. Three victims are in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
