Designs for SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo from Virgin Galactic were unveiled, ushering in the age of private spaceflight to the masses (or at least those who could afford it, that is). Currently, the SpaceShipTwo stands at 60% complete with test flights due later this year while the WhiteKnightTwo is 70% completed. The latter will also hold the record for being the largest all carbon composite plane when finished – in comparison, the Boeing 787 is just 50% carbon composite. Some key features of SpaceShipTwo include :-
- Windows are 18 inches in diameter
- Two systems move landing gear or tail so if one fails there’s another system to pick up the slack
- Designed to be flown twice a day
- Roomy cabin with height roughly 7 feet
Designed to re-enter the atmosphere at any angle, it can correct itself. I wonder if there must be some sort of physical fitness test future passengers must go through before stepping onboard.
Filed in ..