Commercial Space Line Makes First Solo Flight

Virgin Galactic’s aim to become the world’s first commercial space line seems to be getting closer as it released video footage of the Galactic’s suborbital spaceship (VSS) Enterprise’s first solo test flight, in California. The spaceship was carried to an altitude of 45,000ft (13,700m) by an aeroplane and then dropped to glide back to the Mojave Air and Space Port.

Once operational, the suborbital spaceship, which is capable of carrying eight people – two crew members and six passengers, will be carried to its launch altitude by “Eve” carrier plane before being released in mid-air. It will then ignite its single hybrid rocket engine to make the ascent to space.While Eve and Enterprise have made various test flights together in the past, this latest test was the first time Enterprise has been released at altitude. Future tests will involve the rocket motor propulsion test that will see Enterprise actually fire its rocket engine.

Finally, the VSS Enterprise is expected to carry passengers at a cost of $200,000 (£126,000) on short hops above the atmosphere. Already there are reports of deposits taken from 370 customers who want to experience a suborbital flight. The organisation hopes to complete the first year’s booking soon with the intention of making around 500 flights a year.

Talking Point

Would you pay for a trip to space if you could afford it?