INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Virgin Galactic's passenger spaceship VSS Unity has completed its third supersonic flight
It was the ship's highest and fastest test to date, hitting Mach 2.4 and a height of 170,800 feet.The test helped Virgin Galactic gain
data on supersonic aerodynamics and thermodynamics, as well as more experience at high altitudes.After being lifted to 46,500 feet by
carrier aircraft VMS Eve, pilots Dave Mackay and Mike Masucci lit Unity's rocket motor and pulled into a near-vertical climb for 42
flights in California, but signed a deal with two European aerospace companies earlier this month to open a commercial spaceport in
available to both the Italian space agency and private individuals.Over 700 strong-stomached holidaymakers have already booked tickets for a
two-hour trip when Virgin Galactic begins its first commercial flights in the US.
