Richard's Blog

  • Jul 30, 2009

Flying Virgin Galactic at Oshkosh

Flying Virgin Galactic at Oshkosh
  • Rocked 8
  • Meh 0
  • Knocked 0
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On Tuesday at the world’s largest private air show, the EAA Airventure 2009 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, I took my first flight in the mothership which will launch Virgin Galactic’s space tourism and science customers into space.

The space launch vehicle known as VMS Eve is a unique twin hull all carbon composite aviation vehicle designed to launch SpaceShipTwo above heights of 50,000ft and I was on board to witness first hand the incredible flying qualities of the aircraft piloted by Pete Siebold and Clint Nichols.

We hope that that VMS Eve will make its first “captive carry” flight with SpaceShipTwo attached by the end of 2009.

This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It’s a beautiful aircraft to fly and its incredibly light carbon construction and efficient design points the way to a much brighter future for commercial aviation as well as the industrial revolution in space which I believe our entire space launch system heralds.

For more info visit www.virgingalactic.com

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  • 13 Comments
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HOGYBEAR Sep 28, 2009

Dude. Why stop at the Moon? I think establishing a "hotel" on Mars would be a pretty sick idea. Imagine a martian outpost where an efficient, self-sustaining human colony can serve as the launch pad for future manned-deep space exploration. Why do satellites and military dudes get to have all the fun? It kind of like buying a candy bar, only to realize its half eaten. In sum, if you're confident enough to strap your nuts to a rocket traveling at hypersonic speeds, let's make it count.

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mviola Aug 19, 2009

I was at Oshkosh 2009 and saw this marvelous, graceful, beauty of an aircraft perform for its first large audience - and what an inspiring treat it was!! This is a great leap forward - and is an absolutely essential measure, I think, for the progress of mankind in this century

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Allan2000 Aug 11, 2009

Space? Hmmm.. You must visit first the philippines sir richard

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twilight Aug 5, 2009

I'm a space alien with a message for Sir Richard Branson, how do I send it to him?

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EvansEmily Jul 30, 2009

+ Luna Tick! + I look forward to watching ordinary people acheive extraordinary goals with you Richard.

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