Harding and Virts break world circumnavigation speed record

Above: The One More Orbit crew on the ground back at Kennedy Space Center.
Courtesy One More Orbit

The mission’s record flight time is 46 hours, 39 minutes and 38 seconds.
 
“Our mission, titled One More Orbit, pays homage to the Apollo 11 moon landing achievement, by highlighting how humans push the boundaries of aeronautics,” said Harding. “We did this during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the 500th anniversary of man first circling the planet. It is our way of paying tribute to the past, the present, and the future of space exploration.”

Qatar Executive EVP Ettore Rodaro  said: “We launched on July 9, 2019 at 9:32 a.m. and landed on July 11, 2019 at 8:12 a.m. Our new world record is certified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and Guiness World Records. Our Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650 is the fastest ultra-long-range business jet in the world. It has phenomenal range capabilities, industry-leading cabin technology and unparalleled passenger comfort, making it the perfect aircraft to attempt this mission in. It can fly at a faster speed for longer distances than any other jet, with its incredible 7,500 nautical mile (13,890 km) range.”
 
“The mission has utilised the skills of hundreds of talented technicians across the planet and is a testament to what can be achieved when we pull together, even with crazy deadlines and time zone challenges,” said Untitled Executive Producer Jim Evans. “Our production crew covered location action for our documentary in Florida, Chile, Kazakhstan and Mauritius.”
 
Virts, a former Commander of the International Space Station and filmmaker known for his work on the IMAX film, A Beautiful Planet, is “chronicling the complex preparations and global effort it takes to achieve this historic record. We’ve captured a documentary about the mission, which we hope to share with audiences worldwide in the near future.”
 
"Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “I am delighted that, as Inmarsat celebrates 40 years of innovation and chartering new digital frontiers, we have this amazing opportunity to support the 50th celebration of one of the space industry’s most momentous events; the Apollo 11 moon landing.
 
“I believe that bold endeavours like One More Orbit offer a moment for self-reflection. They remind us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our day-to-day lives as we too keep pushing the boundaries of what our satellite communications can do to connect the world to a better future.”

"The Carbon Underground is proud to be a partner of this historic mission,” said: Larry Kopald, the company’s co-founder and president. “By calling attention to one of humankind’s greatest efforts we remind ourselves of what we are capable of doing. Alleviating the existential threat of climate change by restoring the carbon balance and cycle will take a similar effort, with a similar commitment to speed.”
 
The One More Orbit team thanks its sponsors, Satcom Direct and inmarsat, for providing the satellite bandwidth and live feed from the aircraft; G-Technology; Action Aviation; and Space Florida. Carbon Underground for their efforts to make this mission carbon negative.