(Source: Scaled Composites)

Fire: 05
Date: 11 August 10

Objectives:
Perform fifth full scale flight design RM2 hot-fire
Continue all systems evaluation
Continue fuel formulation evaluation
Continue nozzle evaluation
Continue motor structural evaluation
Continue Valve/Injector performance evaluation

Results:
All objectives completed. Performed successful increased duration hot-fire, including igniter performance, oxidizer flow and pressurization systems, data acquisition system measurements, structural evaluation, nozzle ablation, and fuel regression rate data collection. Determined stability levels.

(Source: Space News)

Reports indicate that the WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft had a rougher than expected landing following an Aug. 19th test flight as the left main landing gear collapsed. "The left main landing gear is damaged, but we don't yet know if that's the extent of the damage," FAA spokesman Ian Gregor told the AP.

Scaled Composites confirmed that there was a mechanical problem with the landing gear, but described the problem as "minor". They posted the following statement:

"A minor incident occurred on the runway at Mojave airport this morning, which involved a mechanical problem with the left hand-side landing gear of WhiteKnightTwo. No injuries were sustained and the incident did not involve the Spaceship which was not attached to WhiteKnightTwo. WhiteKnightTwo was on its 37th test flight, and has been flying since December 2008. Further information will be posted in due course."

Trent Waddington has some interesting thoughts on the development of RocketMotorTwo, the hybrid propulsion system for SpaceShipTwo:

• Scaled Composites' Dirty Little Secret

I've discussed this subject before, but I have to say that I agree with a lot of what's said in the above article. Modern liquid biprop engines (designed by XCOR and others) are demonstrating excellent levels of safety and reliability, with high levels of control and "gas-and-go" reusability. Although the nitrous hybrids of SS1 and SS2 have the benefit of simplicity, they suffer from vibration (as seen in the SS1 flights), poor operability (ablative nozzles, replacement of entire CTN between flights), and the inherent hazard of the instability of nitrous oxide. I do not trust an oxidiser which can fall-down-go-BOOM for reasons which are still not completely understood.

Bruno Berger has an interesting presentation on the safety properties and handling of nitrous oxide as a rocket propellant.

(Source: Scaled Composites)

Flight: 34 Date: 3 Aug 10
Flight Time: 5.8 hr
Pilot: Stucky CoPilot: Nichols
FTE: Maisler

Objectives:
SS2 GF01 mission practice
SS2 approach practice
Crew proficiency and training

Results:
All objectives achieved. Sixteen practice landings flown. Seven simulated SS2 approaches flown.

(Source: Associated Press)

Associated Press interviewed Stephen Attenborough of Virgin Galactic about the progress of recent SpaceShipTwo flight tests: "Scaled are now evaluating the data from this recent captive-carry flight before we know when the first SS2 independent glide flight will be but there's a reasonable possibility that we could see it happen in the Fall," Attenborough said.

Although both Virgin and Scaled Composites were pleased with progress, "no corners will be cut in order to achieve arbitrary deadlines.", he said.

AP also released a photo of SpaceShipTwo with its wings 'feathered' in the high-drag re-entry configuration.

Read article...

Virgin Galactic also featured in an article on NPR:-

• Six Spectacular Minutes That'll Cost You $200,000 -- NPR, All Things Considered

More links on the recent Captive Carry Flight 3:-

• Private spaceship makes first crewed flight -- MSNBC
• SpaceShipTwo makes first flight with crew aboard -- Wired

(Source: Link via RLVNews.com)

Video by Virgin Galactic of first crewed flight by SS2 prototype VSS Enterprise on 15th July:

According to Twitter user @mlaughlin there is another WK2/SS2 test flight taking place right now. There have been persistent rumours that a drop test of SS2 is imminent, but it is unknown whether it will take place on this flight.

UPDATE: No SS2 drop occurred on this flight. It was later reported in SS2 test logs as Captive Carry Flight 3, a drop test simulation run in preparation for independent SS2 flights. It was the first captive carry flight with the SS2 manned with a test crew.

Flight WK2 Flight 33 / CC-03
Date: 15 Jul 10 Flight Time: 6.2 hr
WK2 Pilot: Stucky WK2 CoPilot: Kalogiannis WK2 FTE: Maisler
SS2 Pilot: Siebold SS2 CoPilot: Alsbury

Objectives:
SS2 manned captive carry
Mated flutter evaluation
SS2 systems evaluation
SS2 mission rehearsal

Results:
Objectives achieved. Pilots in SS2 evaluated the systems and procedures for the upcoming glide flights. A simulated SS2 mission was flown from release down to low approach. Performed low approach then full stop on Runway 30.