Space Ship One Launch.

[aero-nut]

Here are a couple pics I took at the Space Ship One launch in Mojave, CA today.


http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9435732-M.jpg

http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9435731-M.jpg




Never thought I could take over 150 pics in two hours. :) Sure am glad I got the 1 gig CF card.

[digismile]

That would have been INCREDIBLE to see! What an historic moment :D . Post some more shots when you can!


Brad

[wxwax]

Agreed, an amazing piece of history. It means that someday, we may actually be able to afford to be space tourists. Never thought it would happen in my lifetime. Better start taking care of myself so I'm still alive when it becomes affordable.

[aero-nut]

Yeah, it was quite an experience. Out of all the space-bound launches, the third was the most exciting.

More shots....

Brian and Mike waving to the crowd as they taxi for take-off...
http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9514744-M.jpg

White Knight and Space Ship One taking off...
http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9514745-M.jpg


Release and engine start at 47,000 ft...
http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9514746-M.jpg


Space Ship One landing...
http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9514743-M.jpg


Chase plane fly-by...
http://aero-nut.smugmug.com/photos/9514747-M.jpg

[DJ-S1]

Man am I jealous! Thanks for posting these! :thumb

[wxwax]

Very cool, love that last shot. Do you work on this project?

[lynnma]

Fabulous shots.. thanks for sharing!! my son is in flight testing and may even have been there... thanks again. :D :clap

[pathfinder]

Fabulous shots.. thanks for sharing!! my son is in flight testing and may even have been there... thanks again. :D :clap

I watched the 2- 3 hour video on cable TV Monday or Tuesday evening, and it was a most impressive feat of engineering. And then the final scene was an announcement that SpaceShip One had reached 348,000 feet carrying the pilot and a 400 pound payload and hit MAch 3 on ascent. Only three nation states - US, Russia, and Chinal ( I think ) have achieved this. For private citizens to have done this IS truly amazing. :thumb They have gone on to 367,000 feet since then.

Read all about it here http://www.scaled.com/projects/tierone/ or just google 'SpaceShipOne'

[RocketMan]

The thing is full holes in the front, It will NEVER FLY!! :rofl

Actually I thought it was pretty neet, always been a big space buff and used to watch all the lanuches religously. Even montiored the air-to-ground com when the shuttle was flying through a local Ham club rebroadcast from Goddard. Wonderful shots, wish I could have seen it live.:clap

RM

[aero-nut]

Very cool, love that last shot. Do you work on this project?

Thanks! No, I don't work on the project, but I work in the Aerospace industry nearby, and have some friends that are involved. Always a good time! :freaky