Virgin Galactic, the first company to offer commercial space tourism, has announced the test flights on its SpaceShipTwo (SS2), the world’s first commercial spaceship, turned out to be successful. For the first time, the aircraft has demonstrated its unique re-entry ‘feather’ configuration.

Virgin Galactic has become a pioneer in using wing feathering as a safety feature for re-entering. According to Virgin, the test flight was performed in the skies above Mojave Air and Spaceport CA. This unique aircraft model was introduced to the public back in 2009 and since that time has performed 7 solo flights.

Pete Siebold, who piloted the spaceship along with Clint Nichols, said:
«In all test flight programs, after the training, planning and rehearsing, there comes the moment when you have to go up there and fly it for real. This morning’s flight was a test pilot’s dream.

«The spaceship is a joy to fly and the feathered descent portion added a new, unusual but wonderful dynamic to the ride. The fact that it all went to plan, that there were no surprises and that we brought VSS Enterprise back to Mojave safe and sound is a great testament to the whole team.»

Virgin Galactic was founded by Sir Richard Branson as the first spaceline offering commercial space tourism. The company has been working on creating and testing spaceships crafted to cater the needs of non-professional astronauts and offering all those interested in traveling to space to book tickets on board of the first commercial spaceship. The date of the first flight is still to be announced.

For more information, please visit the company website at www.virgingalactic.com.