After failing in its last rocket engine test, Virgin Galactic has confirmed that the next rocket-powered flight of Spaceship Two will take place on Saturday the 22nd. CEO Michael Colglazier said in a statement, “After a detailed examination and thorough analysis of our mother ship Eve, we have secured our space systems for the upcoming flight. space systems for the upcoming flight. “
The primary purpose of the mission was to test repairs on Unity after a premature rocket motor cutoff due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by a flight control calculator. Just as the rocket engine ignited, this triggered the abort system that secures safety after a failure occurs, forcing it to slide back to its base at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
It will also intend to perform tests scheduled for the final mission, including horizontal stabilizer and flight control evaluations, as well as customer cabin elements and streaming live capabilities. The company said it will review all data collected from the flight and “inform the next steps of the test flight program. “
Two test pilots will fly on the aircraft, which will also carry NASA’s Flight Opportunities program program) research equipment. The test was originally scheduled for February, but was postponed until May. In turn, this has led Virgin Galactic to push commercial space tourism flights to 2022 instead of this year as planned. The timing of Saturday’s flight has yet to be determined, depending on “weather and technical checks.
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