Technology news and Jobs 
Science Virgin Galactic shows off mothership “EVE”
Science Virgin Galactic shows off mothership “EVE” | Virgin Galactic shows off mothership “EVE” |
|
| by William Atkins | |
| Tuesday, 29 July 2008 | |
|
Page 1 of 2   
Featured Whitepaper
5 Best Practices for Smartphone Support
Science DiscussionsThe press release from Virgin Galactic states, “The rollout represents another major milestone in Virgin Galactic’s quest to launch the world’s first private, environmentally benign, space access system for people, payload and science.” [Virgin Galactic: “Mothership “EVE” roll out”] The unveiled WhiteKnightTwo, its first operational carrier aircraft, is named “EVE.” The name was chosen to honor the mother of Branson, the founder of Virgin. WK2 EVE has a wing span of 140 feet (42.7 meters)—the world’s longest single carbon composite aviation component ever manufactured. It is also the world’s largest all carbon composite aircraft. Four Pratt and Whitney PW308A engines power EVE. The engines will enable EVE to reach heights up to 50,000 feet—9.5 miles (15.3 kilometers). Its fuel capacity allows it to go nonstop between the east and west coasts of the United States. At that point of 9.5 miles above Earth's surface, SpaceShipTwo will be released from EVE and it will continue its trip to about 360,000 feet—about 68 miles (110 kilometers)—to the edge of what is considered outer space. The press release states, “Driven by a demanding performance specification set by Virgin Galactic, WK2 has a unique heavy lift, high altitude capability and an open architecture driven design which provides for maximum versatility in the weight, mass and volume of its payload potential. It has the power, strength and maneuverability to provide for pre space-flight, positive G force and zero G astronaut training as well as a lift capability which is over 30% greater than that represented by a fully crewed SpaceShipTwo.” Check out the images associated with the July 28, 2008 rollout of EVE and the scheduled plans for Virgin Galactic on page two. |
| < Next story in category | Previous story in the category > |
|---|
