SpaceShipTwo

Автор yos, 24.01.2008 03:02:48

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tnt22

Цитировать Virgin Galactic‏ Подлинная учетная запись @virgingalactic 43 мин. назад

Virgin Galactic has announced a new contract with the @ItalianAirForce for a research flight on SpaceShipTwo during which Italian researchers will conduct experiments in space. https://virg.in/ipr




Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust 1 ч. назад

Virgin Galactic's Mike Moses and Italian Gen. Stefano Cont sign the contract for the SpaceShipTwo flight this morning at the Italian Embassy.




1 ч. назад

Moses says SS2 test flight will resume "shortly" with commercial operations next year. The Italian research flight will be as early as next year, depending when payloads are ready and flight can be worked into overall manifest.


46 мин. назад

Italian Gen. Cont says three people will fly on the research flight: a test pilot or astronaut who will study details of suborbital spaceflight; a flight surgeon for medical research; and a civilian who will oversee other research payloads.

tnt22

https://www.virgingalactic.com/articles/virgin-galactic-and-italian-air-force-announce-world-first-government-contract-for-human-tended-research-flight/
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OCTOBER 2, 2019
Virgin Galactic and Italian Air Force Announce World First Government Contract for Human Tended Research Flight

Washington, DC, USA (2nd October 2019): Virgin Galactic has announced a new contract with the Italian Air Force for a research flight on the company's SpaceShipTwo system during which Italian researchers will actively conduct experiments while they are in space.

The contract marks the first time a government department has funded a human-tended research flight on a commercial space vehicle. The mission, set to take place as early as 2020, will fly three Italian payload specialists and a rack of research payloads. The Italian Air Force payload specialists and Virgin Galactic's payload team are working with the Italian National Research Centre (CNR) on the design of the experimental payloads.

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo system is designed to fly both humans and payloads to space for tourism and research purposes. The company offers an end-to-end solution for payload flights that includes the use of SpaceShipTwo and its carrier aircraft VMS Eve, along with the hardware, processes, and facilities needed for a successful campaign. Virgin Galactic's platform offers routine, reliable, responsive, and affordable access to the upper atmosphere and space that can accommodate a large volume and mass for research payloads. The company has already flown payloads to space through the NASA Flight Opportunities Program.

Human-tended research onboard SpaceShipTwo allows a dynamic approach to space-based science with researchers able to engage actively with their experiments, responding to developments in real time, optimizing the effectiveness of the research. Experimentation with humans-in-the-loop may also improve reliability by removing the unneeded complexity of building automation in. Virgin Galactic will be able to provide these benefits to the research community at levels of repeatability, affordability and quality of microgravity which have been historically unavailable in human spaceflight.

During the spaceflight, following shutdown of the rocket motor, researchers will unclip from their seats and undertake the actions necessary to complete each experiment during several minutes of zero gravity. The company will provide training and preparation for the researchers so that they are fully equipped to carry out their job as mission specialists on this flight and provide onsite pre-flight support for each of the payload experiments.

The payload will include medical instrumentation that will measure the biological effects of the transitional phase from gravity to micro gravity on the human body. Other testing equipment may be used to help develop a new understanding of the chemistry of green fuels.

Maurizio Greganti, Chargé d'affaires at the Embassy of Italy in DC, said: "The agreement between the Italian Air Force and Virgin Galactic is the result of the cooperation with the relevant Italian and US space institutions which has been ongoing for a very long time. For the first time an Italian Government institution is acquiring a private suborbital flight. We are delighted with this level of cooperation which is a further confirmation of the strength and potential of the relations between our two countries, which expand to cutting-edge space technology."

Gen Stefano Cont, Italy's Defence and Defence Cooperation Attachè said: "The Italian Air Force has, in its DNA, a strong commitment to technological innovation. The skills and contributions of the Air Force, when combined with those of other national institutions are helping to maintain Italian leadership in the aerospace domain. Our interest in this program ties directly to the Air Force main mission, which is at its core national airspace defence."

Virgin Galactic's CEO, George Whitesides said: "We're delighted to work with the Italian Air Force to further space-based research and technology development through this historic mission. The experiments they plan to test on SpaceShipTwo will expand our understanding of space science, and the researchers' active participation will demonstrate an important new avenue for space research.  We are proud that Virgin Galactic is able to provide frequent access to space for this important work."

tnt22

https://www.virgingalactic.com/articles/virgin-galactic-partners-with-under-armour-to-unveil-the-worlds-first-exclusive-spacewear-system-for-private-astronauts/
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OCTOBER 16, 2019

Virgin Galactic Partners with Under Armour to Unveil the World's First Exclusive Spacewear System for Private Astronauts


NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2019 – In January 2019, Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson and Under Armour CEO and Founder Kevin Plank announced a collaboration which saw Under Armour become Virgin Galactic's Technical Spacewear Partner. Today, the companies unveiled the collaboratively designed spacewear system for Virgin Galactic astronauts comprising of a base layer, spacesuit, footwear, training suit and Limited Edition astronaut jacket. It is the first such collection ever created specifically for private astronauts.

The design of astronaut apparel is a unique combination of the requirement for comfort and utility matched by the ultimate focus on customer experience. Every element of the Virgin Galactic customer journey is designed to enrich the profound and transformative qualities of the human spaceflight experience. For Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts, that life-changing, personal experience is eagerly anticipated and the newly unveiled spacewear has been specifically designed to support it.


"Virgin Galactic gave us an exciting challenge to build the world's first commercial spacesuit," said Kevin Plank. "Innovation is at the core of everything we do and our team delivered a unique twist on the classic spacesuit utilizing both existing and new UA technologies to define space gear for the future.  It is an incredible opportunity to showcase our key performance innovations in space at the highest level and continue to push the limits of human performance."

Fr om the initial brief through to final fabrication, the suit design concepts were defined through inputs from a wide variety of experts, including doctors, astronaut trainers, pilots, apparel and footwear designers, engineers and Future Astronaut customers, to fully understand and address all requirements.

Safety is Virgin Galactic's North Star and underlined the choice of materials and other key design considerations. The spacesuit is made from lightweight flight-grade fabrics, with cushioning in elbows, knees and in the footwear, to provide safety in out-of-seat zero gravity. The spacesuits are complemented by training suits which will help to optimize the effectiveness of astronaut preparation in the days immediately before spaceflight. The spacewear materials have been rigorously tested in laboratory conditions which match the measured environment at all stages of spaceflight. The system will also be worn by Virgin Galactic Mission Specialists on board VSS Unity's crewed test spaceflights, prior to commercial flights which are currently expected to commence in 2020.


Spacesuits will be personally tailored for each astronaut; a great fit combined with bold and progressive aesthetics provide the first visible evidence of a journey of transformation, inspiring self-confidence and self-assuredness. While immediately identifying wearers as astronauts and as part of a mission, the spacesuits also provide differentiated features that recognize and celebrate each astronaut's personal journey. Country flags and name badges build on traditions of the past, while suit pockets dedicated to personal effects include an inside transparent pocket for photographs of loved ones, who will literally be close to the heart.

Comfort has always been fundamental to Under Armour's approach to performance enhancement and the new spacewear system follows this mantra, informing fabric choice, structure and fit.  Temperature management, for example, is regulated by performance fibers and knit density, mapped to the body to provide perfect warmth and moisture management, while preventing overheating or chilling.  Great care has also been taken to ensure the spacewear design is fully woven into cabin design, in particular with the spaceship's seats wh ere integration with harnesses and seat contours ensures comfort, particularly during the high G portions of flight.


The unveil event in New York showcased the spacewear system on a zero gravity, vertical catwalk, led by Sir Richard Branson in the spacesuit he will wear on Virgin Galactic's inaugural commercial spaceflight.

Richard Branson said: "Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age; our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked. Requirements for astronaut spacewear as we enter the second space age are evolving, but the design challenge has not diminished. We were delighted when Kevin and Under Armour stepped up to this task and they have surpassed our expectations. I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space."


For downloadable assets from today's announcement please visit:

Virgin Galactic Press FTP

Under Armour Newsroom

tnt22

https://about.underarmour.com/news/2019/10/ua-reveals-technical-spacewear-for-virgin-galactic
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10.16.2019
THE WORLD'S FIRST SPACESUIT ENGINEERED FOR THE MASSES

Under Armour Creates a Spacewear System for Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts

The idea of flight has captured the human imagination for eons. From the myth of Icarus to a world captivated by a trip to the moon exactly 50 years ago, flight as a means to explore our world and beyond has remained at the forefront for adventures, researchers, artists and dreamers. That sense of adventure continues today, as Sir Richard Branson and his brilliant team at Virgin Galactic continue to deliver on the dream of personal space travel, inching ever closer to the regular commercial flights to space.

Earlier this year, Under Armour announced it had taken the role Exclusive Technical Spacewear Partner for Virgin Galactic, raising the curtain on a best-in-class partnership. While Virgin Galactic worked tirelessly to complete the flight test program of spaceship Unity, Under Armour was tasked with developing the spacewear system for the world's first commercial spaceline. As a brand built to make athletes better, innovation has always been part of Under Armour's DNA, leading to innovations like HeatGear, ColdGear, Recovery Sleepwear, UA RUSH, UA HOVR and more. But going to space presents an entirely new challenge, so a dedicated team at Under Armour has been working in collaboration with the team at Virgin Galactic to deliver a spacewear system that is safe, functional and comfortable, putting its own twist on classic spacesuit and footwear to mold the way the next generation of space travelers will dress.
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"At Under Armour, we pride ourselves on always getting better and leaning into innovation to drive progress for our athletes, but few things can prepare you for a project as challenging and exciting as this one. Spaceflight is a unique and demanding regime and requires a different approach. What we've engineered utilizing our key technologies will define the future of spacewear and puts us at the forefront of this history-making event. We are grateful to Richard and the incredible team at Virgin Galactic for trusting us with this groundbreaking challenge."

- Kevin Plank, founder & CEO, Under Armour

THE BASE LAYER

The UA | VG Base Layer acts as a second skin to the body, retrofitting Under Armour's UA RUSH technology will enhance performance and blood flow during the high and zero G portions of flight. The entire base layer is built with UA's new Intelliknit fabric for total moisture and temperature management. From the hottest desert to the cold of space, UA Intelliknit provides temperature regulation and sweat management, making the impossible possible. The development process of UA Intelliknit is highly efficient and creates no material waste in the process - a testament to UA and Virgin Galactic's shared vision for a better, sustainable future.


THE SPACESUIT

The UA | VG Spacesuit is a deep space blue, with atmospheric light blue elements and pops of gold throughout, inspired by an image of the sun in space, casting its rays on Earth. The Virgin Galactic flight DNA symbols are embedded along the spine, symbolizing the unity of the suit with the mission.

UA Clone, a proprietary auxetic material that forms to the exact shape of the body for a precision fit and zero-distraction feel, is used in key parts of the UA | VG Spacesuit - namely the elbows and knees - for optimal mobility and comfort. UA's HOVR cushioning is also incorporated into the shoulder pads and neck area, which are high impact zones during the high G portions of flight.

The liner of the spacesuit incorporates other new fabrics, like Tencel Luxe, SpinIt and Nomex, used for temperature control and moisture management, as Future Astronauts may experience a spectrum of temperatures throughout their journey. UA integrated all of the brand's performance fabrics – cooling, smooth, fast-drying, moisture-managing, comfortable and safe – to ensure the Future Astronaut has the most comfortable experience possible. An important part of the suit construction included functional features such as multiple pockets for necessary and personal items including an integrated solution for communications, with a push-to-talk button. Each spacesuit iteration underwent rigorous testing with key stakeholders in the VG team including pilots, spaceship engineers, medical officers, astronaut instructors and the customer experience team to ensure it would outperform in-flight expectations.

The designers recognized what a transformative and hugely emotional impact the spacesuits will have on the astronaut experience. After spending time with Future Astronauts customers and the VG team, UA created a modern spacesuit that incorporates their feedback. UA added a clear pocket on the inside of the jacket above the heart for a photo of a loved one, and a patch unique to each mission that is removable from the suit to be attached to the Future Astronaut's flight jacket for everyday wear; a jacket which will be presented to astronauts after each mission.


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"Once functionality and safety was nailed down from a performance perspective, we really wanted to bring the Spacesuit to life with signature Under Armour flair and recognition to Virgin Galactic's noble goals and epic achievements. We were able to incorporate the nostalgic elements of the classic spacesuit - not only from past space missions, but also iconic space movies - to redefine the way we think of space apparel moving forward and create something memorable and unlike anything Future Astronauts have ever seen."

- Nick Cienski, Principle Innovation Apparel Designer, Under Armour

THE FOOTWEAR

UA reinvigorated the traditional space boot to create something that is highly functional, but also carries through the same style and design elements as the spacesuit. Taking additional inspiration from racecar drivers' footwear, coupled with UA's most cutting-edge footwear technologies, UA mimicked the lightweight feel for optimum mobility, moving away from what we'd all think of as the big, bulky boot astronauts have previously worn.

UA Clone adaptive technology, also utilized in the spacesuit, forms to the exact shape of the foot for a precision fit and zero-distraction feel, while the UA HOVR cushioning, one of the softest foams available, provides support for a functional, comfortable and flame-retardant piece of footwear. All distractions have been eliminated, resulting in a sleek, smooth, soft boot with nothing to snag on equipment or other Future Astronauts when floating in zero gravity.

The aesthetic design elements complement the spacesuit, with the shades of blue and gold flashes coming together beautifully. The graphic on the sockliner reads, "We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants," inspired by a quote from Sir Isaac Newton that the Virgin Galactic program holds close. In addition, the Virgin Galactic flight DNA symbols and logo unify the full space kit.


The development of the spacewear system is the next step towards the two brands' shared vision for creating a better future and more sustainable world through commercialized space travel.

tnt22

https://tass.ru/kosmos/7009255
Цитировать16 ОКТ, 20:56
В США представили униформу для экипажей суборбитальных кораблей
Ее совместно разработали компании Virgin Galactic и Under Armour

НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 16 октября. /ТАСС/. Образцы униформы для экипажей суборбитальных кораблей представили в среду компании Virgin Galactic, а также Under Armour.

Как сообщил интернет-портал Space.com новая линия космической одежды, изготовленной из ткани темно-синего цвета со светоотражающими вставками, включает базовый космический комбинезон, специальную обувь, тренировочный комбинезон и куртку астронавта.

"Одежда для космических полетов - это составная часть общего имиджа космического века, - привел Space.com слова основателя компании Virgin Galactic миллиардера Ричарда Брэнсона. - Наши представления о космических полетах неразрывно связаны с тем, какую форму носят астронавты". По его словам, ему "нравится, как выглядит новая форма и какие ощущения она создает".

В феврале нынешнего года корабль SpaceShipTwo, созданный компанией Virgin Galactic, осуществил воздушный старт с самолета-носителя WhiteKnightTwo и совершил суборбитальный полет, в ходе которого была достигнута высота 89,9 км над Землей. Первый такой испытательный полет состоялся в декабре прошлого года.

Space ship 2 разработан для космического туризма: стоимость примерно двухчасового полета, во время которого пассажиры, предположительно, смогут испытать невесомость и полюбоваться Землей из космоса, составит около $250 тыс. Корабль, по расчетам его создателей, сможет совершать полеты уже в 2020 году и брать на борт двух пилотов и шесть космических туристов. Именно для них и предназначена новая униформа.

Управление суборбитальными полетами планируется осуществлять из центра Spaceport America неподалеку от города Апэм (штат Нью-Мексико).

zandr

http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/news/39734/
ЦитироватьVirgin Galactic начала готовить космических туристов к полетам
 Основанная британским миллиардером Ричардом Брэнсоном Virgin Galactic начала «Программу подготовки астронавтов», пишет TechCrunch со ссылкой на пресс-службу компании. Курс, который проводится в Балтиморе, рассчитан на клиентов компании, которые станут первыми космическими туристами.

Во время подготовки будущим участникам полетов дадут необходимые инструкции. Своими рекомендациями также поделятся старший инструктор астронавтов в Virgin Galactic Бет Мозес и пилот Дэйв Маккай. В феврале этого года они оба участвовали в тестовом полете корабля VSS Unity, поднявшемся на высоту более 88 км над Землей. Издание пишет, что опыт Мозес и Маккая также позволяет им поделиться своими мыслями о путешествии в космос на VSS Unity.

В программе также задействован американский бренд Under Armour, создавший экипировку для космических туристов Virgin Galactic. Специалисты компании расскажут, как космические туристы будут передвигаться на борту корабля, а также уделят внимание программам питания и фитнеса, которые позволят клиентам подготовиться к полету.

Консультировать будущих пассажиров Virgin Galactic также будут работники медицинской службы. Компания не требует от космических туристов физического состояния как у астронавтов NASA, но нацелена на то, чтобы брать в полет здоровых людей. Первые космические туристы не только смогут пройти курс подготовки, но и помогут Virgin Galactic усовершенствовать этот этап для дальнейшей работы, сообщает Forbes.
А.Ж.

Виктор Левашов

Костюмы и обувка, конечно, стильные.
Но добрался ли "СШ2" до 100 километров - история умалчивает.

zandr

https://tass.ru/kosmos/7492069
ЦитироватьVirgin Galactic рассказала о росте числа желающих стать космическими туристами
НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 10 января. /ТАСС/. Компания Virgin Galactic британского миллиардера Ричарда Брэнсона фиксирует стабильный рост числа желающих попасть на регулярные туристические суборбитальные полеты на борту космолетов серии SpaceShipTwo. К 2023 году планируется построить пять таких аппаратов, сообщил в интервью телеканалу CNBC генеральный директор Virgin Galactic Джордж Уайтсайдс.

Пять кораблей к 2023 году
"Строительство будущего флота имеет огромное значение. Вчера было объявлено о важнейшей вехе [в реализации проекта] - завершении сборки основных элементов конструкции", - отметил гендиректор компании. "Мы планируем построить пять космических кораблей к 2023 году и добиваемся значительного прогресса на пути к этой цели", - отметил Уайтсайдс, напомнив о том, что в настоящий момент основные усилия предприятия направлены на завершение испытаний преемника SpaceShipTwo - Unity.
Число желающих отправиться в тур на суборбиту "продолжает постепенно возрастать каждый месяц", заметил гендиректор Virgin Galactic. "Мы возобновим продажу билетов [на регулярные полеты] позднее в этом году", - информировал он.
Дело в том, что компания Брэнсона набрала 603 заявки на будущие туристические полеты, однако была вынуждена приостановить бронирование по объективным обстоятельствам. В октябре 2014 года один из первых экспериментальных космолетов Enterprise, названный по аналогии с космическим кораблем из телесериала "Звездный путь", потерпел крушение, один из пилотов при этом погиб, второй получил тяжелую травму плеча при спуске на парашюте. С тех пор Virgin Galactic осуществила два успешных испытательных полета космолета при участии пяти испытателей.

Рост спроса диктует повышение цен
Компания, опубликовав отчет за третий квартал 2019 года, информировала о получении 3557 уведомлений от заинтересованных частных лиц в приобретении мест на полеты на суборбиту. Уайтсайдс, разговаривая с потенциальными инвесторами на профильном форуме, организованном банком Morgan Stanley, заявил, что такой рост спроса позволит компании зримо поднять стоимость билета, составляющую сейчас $250 тыс. на человека.
Virgin Galactic в 2020 году, прежде всего, намерена совершить полет на суборбиту с Брэнсоном на борту Unity. Перед тем, как это произойдет, требуется доставить космолет с полигона в пустыне Мохаве в Калифорнии в космопорт в штате Нью-Мексико, завершить серию испытаний на новом месте и закончить отделку кабины аппарата под будущих пассажиров. В ноябре прошлого года компания объявила о планах начать регулярные туристические суборбитальные полеты в середине 2020 года и стать рентабельным предприятием к 2021 году.
Unity стартует на высоте 16 км, отделяясь от самолета-разгонщика, проводит в полете более двух часов и способен брать на борт до шести пассажиров. Им представляется возможность увидеть Землю с высоты 100 км и испытать состояние невесомости в течение нескольких минут.

Logan1982

Вижу этот джентельмен никак не уймётся. Надо полагать 2023 год это очередной рубеж морковки для доверчивых слушателей. 

AB57

ЦитироватьLogan1982 написал:
Вижу этот джентельмен никак не уймётся. Надо полагать 2023 год это очередной рубеж морковки для доверчивых слушателей.  
просто уже пора начать продавать униформу широким массам. Открыть магазины по всему миру... Космические кружки, вилки и всякое такое... Думаю, что это принесёт больше прибыли, чем сами полёты.

А вообще, частная космонавитка уже начинет ясно демонстрировать, что она ничуть не дешевле, и там более, не "быстрее" и эффективнее, государственной.  

Logan1982

Собственно за 8 лет моего активного отсутствия на форуме ничего не изменилось: Бренсон всё также обещает вот-вот начать возить туристов на суборбиту, Старый борется с несуществующей Ангарой, "Наука" изучает стенки подвала в ЦИХе, Севастьянов строит лунную базу в своём кабинете. Вот только Технократ с Кенгурой куда-то делись. Думаю ещё через 8 лет ситуация мало поменяется.

hlynin

ЦитироватьLogan1982 написал:
Собственно за 8 лет моего
Это стабильность! Вот только журнал исчез...

Pirat5




Полагаю, у Бренсона нет нормально работающего устойчивого двигателя. То что есть – это так себе. Поэтому он пытается развить не полёты, а всё остальное вокруг этого. (И эта Санта-Барбара может длиться веками). 
Маску в этом отношении с двигателем повезло.



FarEcho

ЦитироватьPirat5 написал:
Маску в этом отношении с двигателем повезло.
Везет тому, кто везет.  ;) 

opinion

Цитироватьhlynin написал:
 
ЦитироватьLogan1982 написал:
Собственно за 8 лет моего
Это стабильность! Вот только журнал исчез...
Космонавтика исчезла, но космос остался!
There are four lights

AB57

ЦитироватьКосмонавтика исчезла, но космос остался!

aaa1

ЦитироватьLogan1982 написал:
Собственно за 8 лет моего активного отсутствия на форуме ничего не изменилось: Бренсон всё также обещает вот-вот начать возить туристов на суборбиту, Старый борется с несуществующей Ангарой, "Наука" изучает стенки подвала в ЦИХе, Севастьянов строит лунную базу в своём кабинете.
Вывод - без вас ничего не работает.

Logan1982

Цитироватьaaa1 написал:
 
ЦитироватьLogan1982 написал:
Собственно за 8 лет моего активного отсутствия на форуме ничего не изменилось: Бренсон всё также обещает вот-вот начать возить туристов на суборбиту, Старый борется с несуществующей Ангарой, "Наука" изучает стенки подвала в ЦИХе, Севастьянов строит лунную базу в своём кабинете.
Вывод - без вас ничего не работает.
Да не... Это скорее такой оммаж Салтыкова-Щедрина. Да и кончина журнала увы закономерна. Я так понимаю "Русский Космос" той же дорожкой идёт, но уже так сказать, по причине исчерпания титульного материала.

tnt22

https://www.virgingalactic.com/articles/virgin-galactic-welcomes-spaceshiptwo-unity-to-spaceport-america-new-mexico/
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Virgin Galactic has successfully completed another vital step on its path to commercial service, relocating SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, to its commercial headquarters at Spaceport America's Gateway to Space building.

VSS Unity, attached to the carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, made the journey fr om Mojave, California, where the Company's manufacturing facilities are based. The vehicle landed at 15:49MT, wh ere it was greeted by an enthusiastic group of teammates who will operate the spaceship in New Mexico.

This captive carry flight provided an opportunity for engineers to evaluate VSS Unity for over three hours at high altitude and cold temperatures, a longer period of time than is experienced during missions to space. These environmental evaluations of system performance are difficult to replicate at ground level, making captive carry missions a vital component of VSS Unity's flight test plan.



The flight also provided a valuable opportunity to conduct pilot training and familiarization, with veteran Italian Air Force Test Pilot Nicola 'Stick' Pecile joining Chief Pilot Dave 'Mac' Mackay in the cockpit of the spaceship for the first time. Nicola is the fifth pilot to complete a flight in VSS Unity.  VMS Eve was piloted by Mike 'Sooch' Masucci and Frederick 'CJ' Sturckow.

The move of the spaceship to Spaceport America marks a key step in the relocation of Virgin Galactic's to the state of New Mexico.  In May 2019, Virgin Galactic announced that as part of this move, approximately 100 teammates would move to New Mexico from Mojave, California, Spaceport America would become operational and the vehicles would be transferred to the Gateway to Space.  Today, nearly all of those team members have relocated, the spaceport is operationally ready, and both VMS Eve and VSS Unity have now arrived. Of Virgin Galactic's total current New Mexico work force, more than 70 team members have been hired locally, the result of a conscious effort to attract New Mexico-based talent.

"New Mexico is going to be the world's launchpad for commercial spaceflight," New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. "Today marks another step closer: We will have a genuine Space Valley in Southern New Mexico, a hotbed of innovation and achievement and space tourism development. I congratulate Virgin Galactic's workers, George Whitesides and Sir Richard Branson on today's successful flight – and once again I say to them: Welcome to New Mexico, we're very glad to have you!"

"When Virgin Galactic started moving to New Mexico last year, everyone felt the sheer magnitude of the task ahead, but we were encouraged and excited by the team's confidence and strong vision for the future," said George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic. "Today we realized the next step in that dream by bringing our beautiful spaceship to New Mexico.  We still have significant work ahead, but we are grateful to all our teammates who have made this day a reality."

The relocation of VSS Unity to Spaceport America enables the Company to engage in the final stages of its flight test program. This will begin with a number of initial captive carry and glide flights from the new operating base in New Mexico, allowing the spaceflight operations team to familiarize themselves with the airspace and ground control. Once these tests are complete, the team will carry out a number of rocket-powered test flights from Spaceport America to continue the evaluation of VSS Unity's performance.  During this phase, the final spaceship cabin and customer experience evaluations will also be concluded in preparation for the start of commercial spaceflight operations.

The Spaceship Company, Virgin Galactic's design, testing and manufacturing arm, remains firmly rooted in Mojave, California.  While VMS Eve and VSS Unity are now based in New Mexico, they will make periodic journeys back to Mojave to support ground and flight tests of new spaceships, as well as for vehicle maintenance and upgrade activities.  There is significant progress being made on the next two spaceships, including achieving the Weight on Wheels milestone for the second spaceship and completing over 50% of the structural and system part fabrication for the third spaceship, which were announced in January.

Dan Hicks, Spaceport America's Executive Director, congratulated the Virgin Galactic team, saying "This truly is the dawn of a new era for the commercial space sector.  We are tremendously proud of our foundational partner Virgin Galactic – as we see and support their historic progress in making human space flight a reality for our beautiful world.   The New Mexico and Spaceport America leadership will continue our strong support for our visionary Virgin Galactic teammates; and we are looking forward to an exciting 2020!"

tnt22

https://spacenews.com/virgin-galactic-hints-at-more-delays-for-start-of-spaceshiptwo-commercial-flights/
ЦитироватьVirgin Galactic hints at more delays for start of SpaceShipTwo commercial flights
by Jeff Foust — February 25, 2020


Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity SpaceShipTwo vehicle, arrived at Spaceport America earlier this month for a final series of test flights, but during a Feb. 25 earnings call company officials backed away from earlier projections of beginning commercial service in the middle of this year. Credit: Virgin Galactic

WASHINGTON — Virgin Galactic executives suggested Feb. 25 that the beginning of commercial flights of its SpaceShipTwo suborbital vehicle might slip again, even as the company starts planning to resume ticket sales.

The company, which became publicly traded in October after closing a merger with special-purpose acquisition company Social Capital Hedosophia, released its fourth quarter and full year 2019 financials after the markets closed Feb. 25, showing, as expected, a significant loss as the company continues development and testing of SpaceShipTwo.

Virgin Galactic reported a net loss of nearly $211 million on revenue of about $3.8 million for 2019. That revenue came from flights of research payloads on SpaceShipTwo test flights as well as unspecified engineering services. The company had adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, debt and amortization (EBITDA) of –$187 million for 2019, compared to an adjusted EBITDA of –$132 million in 2018.

The company's net loss in the fourth quarter of 2019 was $72.8 million, compared to a net loss of $51.5 million in the third quarter. Jonathan Campagna, Virgin Galactic's chief financial officer, said in a conference call with analysts that the company had additional expenses in the fourth quarter associated with compliance costs of being a public company, as well as with moving personnel and equipment to Spaceport America in New Mexico and with outfitting the cabin of its existing SpaceShipTwo vehicle, VSS Unity.

The company projects those losses to quickly turn to profits once SpaceShipTwo enters commercial service, with an increasing number of flights as the company gains experience and puts additional vehicles into operation. In an investor presentation in September 2019, the company projected positive EBITDA in 2021, growing to $274 million in 2023.

Those projections assumed the start of commercial operations in June 2020, but during the call George Whitesides, chief executive of Virgin Galactic, hinted that commercial service, already delayed by years, might slip again.

"We continue to focus on our top priority of the year, which is to fly Richard Branson into space on a commercial flight," he said. Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, has long said he will be on the company's first commercial flight.

However, there may be few, if any, additional commercial flights in the year. "While we would like to have some commercial revenue this year, the main focus for this year, from a company and engineering perspective, is working to get the vehicles, and our operations, prepared for long-term, regular commercial service," Whitesides said. That includes completing the flight test program for SpaceShipTwo, optimizing the "end-to-end customer experience" that includes events before and after each flight, and readying the vehicles for long-term, high-flight-rate operations.

Asked by analysts on the conference call about the schedule, including that prior plan to begin service in June 2020, Whitesides emphasized his earlier comments. "What we're affirming today is that our number one priority is to fly Richard Branson into space on a commercial flight in 2020," he said.

"Ultimately, the amount of revenue that we generate in 2020 is really not the thing that's going to make this company a great success," he continued. "What's going to make it a great success is having a vehicle that we can turn around relatively rapidly and do that on a consistent basis, and then build a fleet of them so we can add more capacity into the market."

Whitesides didn't discuss any technical issues with VSS Unity, the SpaceShipTwo vehicle relocated to Spaceport America in New Mexico for final tests Feb. 13. He said the company had completed 20 of 29 milestones in a "verification and validation" program with the Federal Aviation Administration that will clear the way for final approval for flying commercial customers on the vehicle. However, he added it may be possible that Unity will return to Virgin Galactic's manufacturing facility in Mojave, California, "one or two times" for additional work before starting commercial service.

In past regulatory filings, the company said it has sold 603 tickets. Whitesides said the company formally closed that initial round of ticket sales after SpaceShipTwo's first flight to the edge of space in December 2018, although sales effectively ended after an October 2014 crash that destroyed the first SpaceShipTwo and killed co-pilot Michael Alsbury.

The company is preparing to reopen ticket sales in the near future. Virgin Galactic announced Feb. 25 that it will start offering potential customers an opportunity to go to the front of the line when ticket sales resume. The company said it has received nearly 8,000 "registrations of interest in flight reservations," primarily through its website. That figure has more than doubled since September 2019.

Virgin Galactic said it will allow potential customers to sign up for its "One Small Step" program, paying a refundable deposit of $1,000 applicable to a future ticket sale. Participants in the program, which will start taking reservations Feb. 26, will get the first opportunity to purchase tickets, although the company has not announced when it will start selling tickets again or their price.

The One Small Step program "marks a significant milestone as we prepare to reopen ticket sales," Whitesides said. For Virgin Galactic, the program will support its sales funnel and create "a pool of qualified prospects" for later ticket sales.

While the company didn't announce pricing, Whitesides confirmed later in the call that those tickets will be more expensive than past sales, which cost up to $250,000 per ticket. "We think that's justified by the extreme interest that we're seeing as well as the great product that we'll be offering," he said. The number of new tickets the company will sell, as well as its "premium pricing strategy," will be disclosed later this year, he added.

Analysts also asked Whitesides about the company's stock price, which has soared in recent weeks. After falling to as low as $7 a share late last year, the stock rose to as high as $37.35 per share at the close of trading Feb. 19. The stock closed Feb. 25 at $34.04 per share, down a fraction of a percent over the day despite a much steeper selloff in the broader market triggered by concerns about the effects the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak will have on the global economy.

Whitesides declined to discuss the stock's recent rise. "We're just going to keep executing," he said. "I run a team full of space engineers, and what we're best at is just keeping our heads down and focused on the engineering."