Virgin Galactic, Branson's space venture

[Ultimate Steve]

And there's no way they are doing P2P with SpaceShipTwo. Even just refueling times are unworkable compared to literally any other plane, and refurbishment is probably still extreme at this point.

In order to have a fast turnaround P2P the hybrid fuel will need to be ditched for liquids. Then there's the issue of remating with White Knight and climbing... I would guess a single stage solution would be preferred.

[tater]

Of course the investment is chump change...

 

 

[tater]

Fashion show:

 

[Brotoro]

What the heck is on their heads?

[Mitchz95]

I like it. Sleek, minimalistic, and reminiscent of Starfleet uniforms.

[mikegarrison]

I am struck by how, whether it is Virgin, Blue Origin, Boeing, or SpaceX, all these private spaceflight companies have made a big deal out of showing us their branded clothing -- before they have ever flown a passenger.

[tater]

2 hours ago, Mitchz95 said:

I like it. Sleek, minimalistic, and reminiscent of Starfleet uniforms.

And for a spacecraft, just as functional.

30 minutes ago, mikegarrison said:

I am struck by how, whether it is Virgin, Blue Origin, Boeing, or SpaceX, all these private spaceflight companies have made a big deal out of showing us their branded clothing -- before they have ever flown a passenger.

To be fair Boeing and SpaceX ones are actual pressure suits.

[insert_name]

Launcher one will have a optional 3rd stage for interplanetary missions

https://spacenews.com/virgin-orbit-to-add-extra-rocket-stage-to-launcherone-for-interplanetary-missions/

Edited October 25, 2019 by insert_name
forgot link

[Wjolcz]

14 hours ago, insert_name said:

Launcher one will have a optional 3rd stage for interplanetary missions

With what kind of payload?

[insert_name]

5 minutes ago, Wjolcz said:

With what kind of payload?

whoops, forgot the link, just edited the last post

[Scotius]

7 minutes ago, Wjolcz said:

With what kind of payload?

Apparently a fat cubesat.

Or couple of those guys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Cube_One

It actually can be advantageous if you want to place some sort of communication network ahead of inbound probe, but you don't want to pay (or wait) for a full-sized launch.

[fulgur]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this here. I was reading a Guardian article about stuff Johnson has promised the UK, and he announced a British horizontal-launch spaceport:

 

 

Edited October 28, 2019 by fulgur

[XB-70A]

 

 

Stargazer's style.

[mikegarrison]

I don't know ... I just get a bad feeling about a company that has more spaceports than it does space flights.

[Nightside]

48 minutes ago, mikegarrison said:

I don't know ... I just get a bad feeling about a company that has more spaceports than it does space flights.

Makes me think of WeWork for some reason...

[tater]

(this thread includes both Virgin Orbit and galactic, right?)

[tater]

 

[mikegarrison]

Yet another use for the 747 engine delivery hardpoint.

Edited April 12, 2020 by mikegarrison

[tater]

 

[tater]

 

[tater]

From flightradar24 it looks like they dropped.

Or maybe a glitch in reporting 2 aircraft...

OK, no drop yet, it was just them adding the transponder from the spacecraft to the drop vehicle.

[Nightside]

That thing is so goofy and awesome.

Is this the first "major" flight from Spaceport America?

[tater]

34 minutes ago, Nightside said:

That thing is so goofy and awesome.

Is this the first "major" flight from Spaceport America?

First drop test I think.

[tater]

 

[tater]