description Virgin Galactic VSS Unity Overview
Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity is a suborbital spaceplane developed for commercial space tourism. The vehicle is carried aloft by a mothership before igniting its rocket engine to reach altitudes above 80 kilometers, crossing the internationally recognized boundary of space. VSS Unity made its first successful flight to space in December 2018, becoming the first vehicle of its type built for commercial passenger service to reach this milestone. The spaceplane can carry six passengers and two pilots on flights that provide several minutes of weightlessness before gliding back to a runway landing.
help Virgin Galactic VSS Unity FAQ
How high does the Virgin Galactic VSS Unity fly?
VSS Unity is a suborbital spaceplane designed to reach altitudes above 80 kilometers, crossing the internationally recognized boundary of space. This altitude allows passengers to experience a few minutes of weightlessness.
How does the Virgin Galactic VSS Unity take off?
Unlike traditional rockets that launch vertically from the ground, VSS Unity is carried aloft by a large mothership aircraft. Once it reaches a high altitude, the spaceplane detaches and ignites its rocket engine.
What is the name of the mothership that carries VSS Unity?
VSS Unity is carried into the air by a custom mothership aircraft named VMS Eve. The mothership releases the spaceplane at an altitude of around 50,000 feet before Unity's rocket motor fires.
How many passengers can the Virgin Galactic VSS Unity carry?
VSS Unity is designed to carry two pilots and up to six spaceflight participants. The cabin is structured to allow passengers to unbuckle and float freely during the suborbital flight.
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