Betty Maclean Travel, Inc. and Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic: Quick Facts

SPACE FLIGHT HISTORY: 1961 – Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space 1969 – Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the  moon 1996 – Original plans for the Ansari X prize announced. $10m for the first non-government human space flight. 1999 - The name Virgin Galactic is first registered as Virgin began discussions with several fledgling private space ventures with a view to investment in the sector.  2001 - Paul Allen’s vision leads to the creation of SpaceShipOne by legendary aviation designer, Burt Rutan. 21st June, 2004 – the first manned space flight by a private, non-Government program – Mike Melvill flying SpaceShipOne 27th September 2004, Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan announce plans or the world’s first commercial manned space operator – Virgin Galactic 29th September 2004 – Mike Melvill pilots the first successful X Prize qualifying flight reaching 330,000 feet. 4th October 2004 – Brian Binnie pilots the final X Prize flight reaching a record 368,000 feet. The X Prize is won and Virgin Galactic is born To date only 450 people have been to space (FAI Definition) DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY : The new Virgin spaceships (SpaceShipTwo / SS2) will be based on Burt Rutan designed SpaceShipOne, X Prize winner - a tried and tested prototype. Composite construction – very light and very strong. Two stage horizontal launch concept – mothership “White KnightTwo” and Spaceship SS2. Fully pressurised cabin, double skin construction Extremely safe and controllable hybrid rocket motor Unique wing - feathering technology to slow and control re-entry  (“Care-Free Re-entry”) Unpowered (glide) runway landing  CABIN DESIGN:  Each flight will carry 6 passengers and two pilots. SS2 Cabin will be fully pressurized at all stages of the flight. Passengers will be allowed to leave their seats and experience the joys of weightlessness. Reclining seats to minimise effects of G forces on re-entry Every passenger will have access to large windows which will allow them to enjoy the amazing views – around 1000 miles in any direction FLIGHT SCHEDULE: WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) mothership climbs to 50,000 feet, carrying SS2. On release, the rocket motor fires and spaceship accelerates in a vertical climb to nearly four times the speed of sound Maximum altitude will be at least 68 miles Wings feather to allow gentle re-entry to earth’s atmosphere Spaceship wings reconfigure after re-entry Glides and returns to point of departure Astronauts receive their “wings” Flight will last around 2 ½ hours including a period of weightlessness and preceded by 3 days of pre-flight training. LAUNCH SITE: Initial launch site likely to be Mojave in California, USA Operation will then headquarter and fly from the purpose built Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA  PRE LAUNCH TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES: Three days enjoyable preparation – The Virgin Galactic Experience – to ensure that future astronauts can savour each second of their space flight. The interior of WK2 will replicate the SS2 interior allowing G force acclimatisation and safety training to take place on board WK2 pre the space flight itself. Will take place in the US close to or at the spaceport All included in the price TICKET PRICE: The initial ticket price stands at $200,000 Prices will fall over time to allow more to fly   HOW MANY APPLICANTS: Approximately 65,000 have registered with Virgin Galactic as potential astronauts, from 125 different countries SAFETY: Horizontal launch at altitude – not vertical launch from ground Benign and controllable rocket motor propellants Two pilots Simplicity and effectiveness of wing feathering for re-entry Spaceship and Virgin Galactic operation will be regulated and licensed by the US Federal Aviation Authority Rigorous and exhaustive testing regime before launch.  ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS: Ground to 50,000 feet carried by special carrier aircraft using the latest in efficient jet engine technology. Air launch means short rocket burn of approximately 45 seconds within the atmosphere. Lightweight composite construction minimises power output. Re-usable spacecraft – no space debris or wastage. New Mexico Spaceport planned to be powered by renewable energy sources.