Virgin Galactic releases a marvelous third-generation spaceship.
Virgin Galactic has released the next-generation vehicle model to transport human tourists into space, showing off a marvelous spaceship called the VSS Imagine. The craft reaches a new step ahead for its progressing vehicle design and is hoping to travel to the skies for the first time halfway through the year.
The VSS Imagine rollout comes as Virgin Galactic’s second-generation spaceship, the VSS Unity, continues to be parked at its base in New Mexico after an unsuccessful flight in mid-December. The resumption of test flights for the VSS Unity is now planned for May, with testing of the VSS Imagine to increase around the same time.
As the initial Spaceship III in the fleet, the complete of VSS Imagine is designed in a novel mirror-like material used to reflect the surroundings as the ship launches through the air and into space, while Virgin Galactic states it also benefits in terms of thermal protection.
The VSS Imagine doesn’t appear to be a giant departure from the company’s old spaceship designs from the outside peeping in. It will also be launched into the air by a bigger mothership and released at high altitudes. However, the company does add that thanks to the latest modular design; it will be simpler to maintain and will be able to fly at a more constant rate. The company aspires to later carry out 400 flights per year, per spaceport.
“Virgin Galactic spaceships are manufactured specifically to offer a new, transforming perspective to the thousands of people who will soon be able to witness the wonder of space for themselves,” stated Richard Branson, founder of Virgin. “As a SpaceShip III class of vehicle, Imagine is not only stunning to look at but shows Virgin Galactic’s increasing fleet of spaceships. All wonderful achievements, creations, and changes begin with an idea. Our aim is for all those who travel to space to come back with fresh perspectives and new ideas that will cause positive change in our planet.’’
Virgin Galactic states it is now increasing manufacturing of the second SpaceShip III in the fleet, the upcoming VSS Inspire. It will now start ground testing of the VSS Imagine, with flight tests scheduled in the US summer.
