How Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo passenger space plane works [Infographic]

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo: A New Era of Space Tourism

At this altitude, passengers experience microgravity, an unparalleled view of Earth, and the distinction of earning astronaut wings. This innovative vehicle marks a significant step toward making space tourism a reality.

Air-Launched Ascent to Space

Unlike traditional vertically launched rockets, SpaceShipTwo follows a unique air-launch system. It is carried into the upper atmosphere by its mothership, WhiteKnightTwo, a specially designed twin-fuselage aircraft. The flight begins with WhiteKnightTwo ascending to 50,000 feet (15.5 kilometers), a height where commercial jets typically cruise.
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Once at this altitude, SpaceShipTwo is released from WhiteKnightTwo. Moments later, it ignites its hybrid rocket engine, producing an intense burst of thrust that propels it straight up.

The engine fires for 70 seconds, accelerating the spacecraft to a speed of 2,500 mph (4,000 km/h)—over three times the speed of sound. As it ascends, passengers feel intense G-forces, pressing them into their seats as the vehicle climbs beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Microgravity and the Overview Effect

After its rocket engine shuts down, SpaceShipTwo continues coasting upward, reaching its peak altitude of 361,000 feet (110 kilometers). At this point, passengers experience approximately five minutes of weightlessness, allowing them to float freely inside the cabin. Large windows provide breathtaking views of Earth’s curvature, the vastness of space, and the thin blue line of our atmosphere. Many astronauts describe this moment as the “Overview Effect”—a profound realization of Earth’s fragility and unity.

Feathered Re-entry: A Unique Safety System

One of SpaceShipTwo’s most remarkable safety features is its “feathered” re-entry system, designed to ensure a smooth and controlled return to Earth. Unlike traditional spacecraft, which rely on ablative heat shields, SpaceShipTwo’s variable-geometry rudders rotate 90 degrees upward as it begins its descent.

This configuration dramatically increases drag, slowing the vehicle while stabilizing it, much like a shuttlecock in badminton. This innovation minimizes frictional heating, making re-entry safer and more predictable.

We have teams of people working on electric cars. So you never know – you may find Virgin competing with the Tesla in the car business as we do in the space business. – Richard Branson

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As the vehicle descends through 70,000 feet (22.9 kilometers), the rudders return to their normal gliding configuration, allowing SpaceShipTwo to maneuver like a traditional aircraft. The pilots then guide it toward a smooth runway landing, where its landing gear and skid deploy for a controlled touchdown.

Key Technical Specifications

• Crew: 2 pilots
• Passengers: 6
• Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)
• Wingspan: 27 feet (8.3 meters)
• Maximum Speed: 2,500 mph (4,000 km/h)
• Launch Altitude: 50,000 feet (15.5 kilometers)
• Peak Altitude: 361,000 feet (110 kilometers)
• Weightlessness Duration: 5 minutes

The Future of Space Tourism

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo represents a major leap forward in commercial space travel. By offering a relatively affordable and safe way for civilians to experience spaceflight, the company is paving the way for a future where space tourism becomes routine.

As technology advances and costs decrease, suborbital space travel may soon be within reach for more people, bringing humanity one step closer to a multi-planetary future.

This is just the beginning of a new era of space exploration. 🚀