The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite travel signed hybrid rocket motor which powered the VSS Unity to space in December last year for the first time to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washing- ton D.C. The rocket has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the most power- ful hybrid equipment to be used in manned flight and will be exhibited in the museum’s planned, new commercial space flight gallery to be called ‘Future of Spaceflight’. “The SpaceShipTwo rocket motor is a fitting addition to the National Air and Space Museum’s collection,” said Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum. “It does not just represent technical achievement [but] is sure to also inspire our visitors by demonstrating what can be achieved through entrepreneuri- al innovation.” Weighing in at approximately 3,000 pounds, with 320kN of thrust and a burn duration of around 60 seconds, the motor created sufficient energy to propel VSS Unity to space at almost three times the speed of sound. Announcing the donation, Sir Richard Bran- son said: “We’re proud to be making history as we work towards launching the world’s first commercial space line, and today we could not be more delighted to donate a piece of that history to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for its wonderful new exhibition. The desire to explore space has been an inspiration since time began and, in recent decades, an incredible catalyst for in- novation. I hope our donation will also play a small part in inspiring the thousands of visitors as they pass through the new gallery in years to come.” George Whitesides, CEO of The Spaceship Company and Virgin Galactic, said: “To see this rocket go from concept, to production, through ground testing, and finally into space, and then be accepted to the world’s most respected aerospace museum is a well-deserved recognition for the spaceship propulsion team.” While Enrico Palermo, President of The Spaceship Company said: “This motor and its development process is a perfect example of what can be achieved when talented people come together to work on their dreams. TSC looks forward to building more rocket motors and the fleet of SpaceShipTwos, watching them provide the power to open space and change the world for good.” www.virgingalactic.com