After almost two years of grounding the spacecraft for its development and flight readiness, the VSS Unity has recently completed its glide test on Spaceport America that marks its return for future missions. However, this is not yet the final barrier that it has to break, as there would be an upcoming crewed flight test that would utilize its capabilities before launching its rocket for commercial flights.
Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity is on its way to completing what it aims to bring for all, and soon, making space available within hands' reach for interested individuals in fulfilling their dreams.
(Photo : Virgin Galactic)
Virgin Galactic Completes VSS Unity's Glide Test After Almost 2 Years
As per the company's latest release, the VSS Unity has recently completed a glide test that launched from the VSS Eve that departed from Spaceport America, signaling its return to the space industry after almost two years.
It centered on a glide test for the spacecraft, one that did not use the spacecraft's engine to propel it to greater heights, as it focused on looking into its maneuverabilities and capabilities for future commercial operations.
"The ability to conduct glide flights-allowing us to gain critical performance metrics without the need for rocket• power - is one of the benefits of our distinctive flight system. The data from thisvalidation flight will clear the way for our return to space and ultimately, load to the launch o commercial service," said Mike Moses, President of Spaceline Missions and Safety at Virgin Galactic.
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Virgin Galactic VSS Unity: Flight Test Again, Commercial Next
According to Ars Technica, this recent glide flight only marks the return of Virgin Galactic to its operations, and it would soon look into another test flight with the Italian Air Force that would dictate its readiness for future missions. The company is already looking to start its commercial flights next, one that would fulfill what it wants for the future of its space company.
What Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Has to Offer
Two years ago, in 2021, Virgin Galactic got its much-awaited approval from the Federal Aviation Authority for its first test flight that would bring commercial astronauts and its CEO and owner, Sir Richard Branson, to orbit and back. It also marked a new wave of commercialization for space companies, with new names like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin establishing their names.
Its first flight was a successful one, and its CEO made waves as being among the first tech executives to go to space and back, visiting orbit and seeing the cosmos with their eyes.
However, as it was initially enjoying its success in its flights, a previous mission led to its suspension, being grounded to fly for the time being because of its "dangerous" missions.
The company spent its time developing more of what the VSS Unity can do for the public, particularly for the company's goal of launching its commercial flight program that would be available to anyone for the right price. Virgin Galactic is now gearing up for its next crewed flight with the Italian Air Force, and then if all goes well, it may begin its flight under its commercial offers.
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