posted 05-08-2023 09:06 AM               

Please use this topic to discuss Virgin Galactic's crewed flight of its SpaceShipTwo suborbital rocket plane, Unity 25, the last planned test flight before commercial operations begin.

posted 05-25-2023 09:52 AM               

VSS Unity and our crew are on target for a rocket powered flight from Spaceport New Mexico today. We will not be livestreaming today's spaceflight. Instead, keep up with live updates on Twitter.

Today's Unity 25 spaceflight is the final assessment of our full spaceflight system and astronaut experience before commercial service later next month.

Tweeting is Unity 22 crew member and Virgin Galactic Astronaut Instructor, Colin Bennett:

Meet the crew for today's Unity 25 spaceflight. First up is Astronaut 007, my wonderful friend Jamila Gilbert. Communications expert, artist, multilinguist, and soon-to-be astronaut... Seriously, is there anything she can't do?!

Joining Jamila is Christopher Huie. I've really enjoyed working with Chuie ever since he joined us back in 2016. He's an expert space engineer who is extremely charismatic and passionate about Virgin Galactic's mission. I can't think of a better person for the role!

Next, meet Luke Mays. The newest addition to our astronaut training team. Hailing from NASA, he'll be using the first-hand experience that he gains today to help prepare our Future Astronaut customers for their own spaceflight journeys.

Last, but certainly not least, Beth Moses. A trailblazer in the human spaceflight industry and the brains behind our astronaut training program. I was lucky to have her as my instructor and crewmate for the Unity 22 spaceflight.

Who's piloting VSS Unity today? Meet Commander Mike Masucci and Pilot CJ Sturckow. A combined total of eight trips to space already in the bag for these guys. Those are some serious credentials!

Secondly, meet Commander Jameel Janjua and Pilot Nicola Pecile who will be flying in the cockpit of VMS Eve. They have the important role of getting VSS Unity in position on time for the "release, release, release"!

Our pilots and crew are officially en route to VSS Unity and mothership, VMS Eve. Who needs a plane when you've got a spacecraft, am I right?

posted 05-25-2023 10:11 AM               

VMS Eve's engines have started and we’re revving up for take-off!

Take-off! VMS Eve and VSS Unity have taken to the skies above Spaceport America, New Mexico.

Today is the 25th flight for VSS Unity, and Virgin Galactic's 5th spaceflight.

As we climb to release attitude, the crew will be conducting cabin checks and preparing for release.

Release, release, release! VSS Unity is flying free, having separated cleanly from the mothership VMS Eve!

Successful boost, WE HAVE REACHED SPACE!

VSS Unity is now on its way home to Spaceport America, New Mexico. The feather has been lowered and VSS Unity is now a glider, headed back to the runway.

Touchdown, VSS Unity! Our crew and spaceship are back on Earth after landing smoothly at Spaceport America, New Mexico.

VMS Eve has landed safely. Thanks to our pilots for flying the mothership and their vital role in helping VSS Unity complete today's spaceflight. What a rush!

posted 05-25-2023 12:37 PM               

We love our Unity 25 spaceflight stats! Here are a few key flight facts:

• Take-off Time
  09:15 AM MDT

• Release Altitude
  44,500 ft

• Apogee
  54.2 Miles

• Landing Time
  10:37 AM MDT

posted 05-25-2023 05:16 PM               

Best Wishes for many more safe, successful (and profitable) flights!!!