This drawing is based upon the test flights of the X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Data from the twelfth unpowered glide test and second powered flight, featuring a 40 second rocket boost were used. These flights focused on discovering handling qualities during boost at transonic and supersonic speed, reaction control system functionality, stability, control and performance with airframe thermal protection. In flight feather configuration stability during transonic atmospheric entry was observed and an evaluation of radar tracking capability from Edwards AFB was made. Apogee for the powered flight was over 105,000 feet and the glide flight landing was a good demonstration of SS1’s crosswind landing capability.
54 x 48″
pencil on paper
January 2010
