Virgin Galactic's SS2 successfully completes Nitrous Vent Test
Above: Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo's feathered rentry.
This was her 24th glide flight and the 6th in-flight test of her patented feathered re-entry system.
Galactic’s Chief Pilot David Mackay was at the controls of the WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft and Scaled Composite’s pilot Mark Stucky was in command of the Spaceship (8 April), reporting that all test objectives were successfully met.
Virgin Galactic's Spaceport America also got a boost from last week's signing of the SB 40 Space Flight Informed Consent Bill. Virgin Galactic's CEO George Whiteside said: “This is an important day for the future of commercial space flight in the state of New Mexico. This bill, SB 240, will significantly improve the competitiveness of Spaceport America and help create jobs for New Mexicans. The signing of this bill by Governor Susana Martinez represents a vital milestone for commercial space flight in the state.
“We would like to commend Governor Susana Martinez, the legislators, and all other parties who came together to craft this legislation in the best interests of the entire state. Gov. Martinez has shown leadership and vision, as well as the determination to make this bill a reality. We would also like to thank the legislators who voted to pass this bill, in particular the sponsors, Senator Mary Kay Papen and Rep. Jim White, as well as co-sponsor Senator John Arthur Smith. We’d also like to thank the Senate leadership: Sens. Mary Kay Papen, Michael Sanchez, Stuart Ingle, Tim Keller and William Payne; thanks also to House leadership: Speaker Ken Martinez and Reps. Rick Miera, Don Bratton, Moe Maestas and Nate Gentry.
"The legislature acted to promote economic development and the future of the industry in the state. We would also like to thank Christine Anderson and the staff of NMSA, as well as Secretary Jon Barela and the Economic Development Department. Virgin Galactic would also like to express its gratitude to the grassroots coalition of citizens and local organisations that worked so hard on this bill and should be recognised for their efforts.”
