Virgin Galactic completes first human spaceflight from Spaceport America, New Mexico

Virgin Galactic on Saturday (22 May) completed its third spaceflight and the first ever spaceflight from Spaceport America in New Mexico, making that state the third US state to launch humans into space. VSS Unity achieved a speed of Mach 3 after being released from the mothership, VMS Eve, and reached space, at an altitude of 55.45 miles before gliding smoothly to a runway landing at Spaceport America. On VSS Unity’s flight deck were CJ Sturckow and Dave Mackay, while Kelly Latimer and Michael Masucci piloted VMS Eve. Sturckow, who flew as pilot-in-command, becomes the first person ever to have flown to space from three different states. The crew experienced extraordinary views of the bright, blue-rimmed curvature of the earth against the blackness of space. New Mexico’s White Sands National Park sparkled brilliantly below. Their experience today gives Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronaut customers a glimpse of what lies ahead. (PHOTO: Virgin Galactic) Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “Today’s flight showcased the inherent elegance and safety of our spaceflight system, while marking a major step forward for both Virgin Galactic and human spaceflight in New Mexico. Space travel is a bold and adventurous endeavour, and I am incredibly proud of our talented team for making the dream of private space travel a reality. We will immediately begin processing the data gained from this successful test flight, and we look forward to sharing news on our next planned milestone.” Virgin Galactic fulfilled a number of test objectives during the flight, including: Carried revenue-generating scientific research experiments as part of NASA’s Flight Opportunities Programme. Collected data to be used for the final two verification reports that are required as part of the current FAA commercial reusable spacecraft operator’s license. Tested the spaceship’s upgraded horizontal stabilisers and flight controls and validated EMI reductions. Following the flight, and in line with normal procedures, Virgin Galactic will conduct a review of all test data gathered and thoroughly inspect the spaceship and mothership.  Once the team confirms the results, the company plans to proceed to the next flight test milestone. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]