I thought you would enjoy the following update on progress of the scaled composites Rocket Ship experimental flight tests of Burt Rutan, 

On December 17th, the rocket ship was flown under the belly of it's launch ship to about 35,000 feet and released in a glider mode. The test pilot Brian Binne then ignited the rocket at .55 mach and pulled up to steep angle of climb for 9 seconds.  He wound up at 0 degree angle (vertical) and 68,000 feet with zero airspeed and experienced weightlessness for a few seconds. 

During the climb he hit mach 1.6.  He then programmed the high drag feathered profile for descent.  He descended in a glider mode for 12 minutes and landed back at Mojave.  During the landing the left gear retracted, and the ship veered off the runway to the left. The damage was minor and there were no injuries.

 

The ship and it's ultimate mission is to show that we can fly in space at a reasonable price, and ultimately Burt wants passengers to be able to go up at about the same price as a holiday cruise.  We need to start saving our money for the space cruises.  I am starting to pack my bag now.  I can recall hitting mach 1.5  years ago in an F-101 but the profile was far from a vertical climb.

 

The sponsor of Burt's project has finally been discovered.  He is none other than Paul Allen from Seattle, the former Microsoft genius, billionaire, and owner of the Portland Trail Blazers!!

 

Hope everyone has a great holiday season and New Year!!