Virgin Galactic is planning to launch tourists into space via a unique system – a “mothership,” called “Eve,” will carry the actual passenger ship, called the “Enterprise,” to a hight of about 50,000 feet. From there, the Enterprise will detach from the mothership, and, propelled by a hybrid rocket system, launch into space.
Yesterday saw the first successful test flight of the Enterprise attached to Eve, known as a “captive carry” flight. Naturally, the folks at Virgin are thrilled:
Commenting on the historic flight, Burt Rutan said: “This is a momentous day for the Scaled and Virgin Teams. The captive carry flight signifies the start of what we believe will be extremely exciting and successful spaceship flight test program.”
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic added: “Seeing the finished spaceship in December was a major day for us but watching VSS Enterprise fly for the first time really brings home what beautiful, ground-breaking vehicles Burt and his team have developed for us. It comes as no surprise that the flight went so well; the Scaled team is uniquely qualified to bring this important and incredible dream to reality. Today was another major step along that road and a testament to US engineering and innovation.”
Tests of the spacecraft will continue through at least 2011. According to Fast Company, 330 customers have ponied up the $200,000 necessary for a ticket on the Enterprise, even though launch dates are to be determined.