VSS Unity Prepped for First Rocket-Powered Flight from NM
Virgin Galactic has announced its new flight window for VSS Unity spaceflight preparations were paused in response to New Mexico's COVID-19 guidelines.
"In accordance with local government guidelines and safety protocols, we have minimized the number of people onsite to the greatest degree possible. While on this occasion no media or guests will be allowed onsite, our team will endeavor to capture and share the beautiful images with the world after the flight has been completed.
Michael Colglazier, CEO, Virgin Galactic.
The new flight window for VSS Unity will open on December 11, pending good weather conditions and technical readiness. This flight expects to fulfill a number of objectives, including testing elements of the customer cabin as well as assessing the upgraded horizontal stabilizers and flight controls during boost. The flight will also carry payloads as part of the NASA Flight Opportunities Program.
The flight will be conducted by essential personnel only. No guests or media will be onsite, in accordance with company and state COVID-19 protocols. The operational footprint at Virgin Galactic's New Mexico facilities has been further minimized in the past 2 weeks. Only essential staff will be onsite to support the pre-flight operations ahead of the flight and the day of flight.
"With safety as our core priority, we remain committed to completing our first powered flight in New Mexico," said Michael Colglazier, CEO, Virgin Galactic. "In accordance with local government guidelines and safety protocols, we have minimized the number of people onsite to the greatest degree possible. While on this occasion no media or guests will be allowed onsite, our team will endeavor to capture and share the beautiful images with the world after the flight has been completed. We look forward to completing this important milestone in our test flight program in the coming weeks.”
“I’m grateful to Virgin Galactic, as I am to every business in our state, for their commitment to safety in this difficult time," said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. "This is an exciting announcement that demonstrates we have gotten back on track in a safe and speedy manner. New Mexico’s future on the cutting edge of aerospace development is brighter than ever.”
(Image provided with Virgin Galactic news release)