SpaceShipTwo completes her first glide flight.

 Glass being erected at the THF, Spaceport America.

RocketMotorTwo during an earlier 'hot fire' test.

Watch the 'Milestones to Space' You Tube video here.

MILESTONES TO SPACE

2010 was an incredible year for Virgin Galactic that saw several important milestones achieved on the road to making private space travel a reality.

After the dramatic unveiling of SpaceShipTwo in December 2009, this revolutionary new space vehicle embarked on a series of important test flights in 2010 that culminated with her first solo flight when she was released from her "mothership" WhiteKnightTwo to complete a stunning glide flight and landing at Mojave Air & Spaceport. Since then she has completed a total of four glide flights and these will continue throughout 2011 as SpaceShipTwo is readied for the next major milestone, the first powered flight with the rocket motor.

In 2010 the rocket motor, known as RocketMotorTwo, underwent extensive development and testing. The next milestone for this part of the project is another extensive "hot fire" test that will be undertaken over the coming months before pairing RocketMotorTwo with SpaceShipTwo for several non-powered test flights. Next SpaceShipTwo will complete multiple powered flights, gradually increasing duration and altitude in the lead up to our first ever spaceflight.

Our operational base in New Mexico, Spaceport America, has seen significant development. The runway was completed in 2010 along with around 70% of the structures including the "THF" or Terminal Hangar Facility, the stunning building designed by URS/Foster + Partners that will serve as the hangar and training facility for Virgin Galactic as well as housing Mission Control. Currently the hangar doors and windows are being fitted and the next step in 2011 is to begin fitting out the interior.

We will continue to send you Space Bulletins in order to keep you updated on each step in this exciting and historic project.

In the meantime please contact your specialist  Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent for more information…

Contact your Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent for more information about Virgin Galactic…

Barbara King
(913) 338-2244 or barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel