Posted on 04/15/2013 9:30:29 AM PDT by Freeport
Ground crews load nitrous oxide into SpaceShipTwo in preparation for an April 12, 2013 test flight. The flight marked the first time that oxidizer flowed through SpaceShipTwo’s rocket nozzle in flight, successfully demonstrating key components of the system, key milestone in advance of SpaceShipTwo’s first rocket powered flight. Photo Credit: Virgin Galactic / Mark Greenberg — at Mojave Air & Space Port.
For the first time ever, oxidizer flows through SpaceShipTwo’s rocket nozzle in flight, successfully demonstrating key components of the system. The April 12, 2013 test flight was a key milestone in advance of SpaceShipTwo’s first rocket powered flight. Photo Credit: MarsScientific.com — at Mojave Air & Space Port. SpaceShipTwo progress is being made in the skies over the Mojave Air and Space Port in California – successful demonstration on April 12th of key components of the system.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacecoalition.com ...
I wish them luck, but I cannot help snickering when I see the “Virgin” on the tail. Somehow I cannot associate science with the clown running that outfit.
Of course, he has hired good engineers, and they’ll hopefully make up for the typical pop culture dorkiness.
/johnny
/johnny
Bingo!
I’m just a dumb unemployed schlub, but I fear that one of both of the wings will snap off during re-entry.
Some kinds of designs simply can’t be scaled up for some reason.
But I defer to knowledgeable FReepers on the subject for now.
That, and he’s a very intelligent person with loads of personal credentials. He makes his ass cash the checks his mouth writes and he has never been overdrawn. He has my respect as an adventurer and businessman.
I never said “crazy”. LOL
The whole purpose of feathering is to avoid/deter friction through slowed entry. The test flight was successful. Thunderbirds are go!
Dynamic pressure during reentry should be greatest at the wing roots, not at the tips. That said, I am not entirely comfortable with the design of SS1 or SS2. But I wish them all the luck in the world anyway.
Moving parts make me nervous.
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I'm sure there are various overrides to bring the feather into proper position, likely a hydraulic pump by hand and then perhaps even a hand crank. Either will be hard work but will prevent catastrophy if there is a primary failure.
People don't go putting their life on the line without some kind of backup.
Thanks Freeport.
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