SpaceShipOne

Specifications SpaceShipOne blueprint

SpaceShipOne is an experimental, privately-funded, manned spaceplane developed and launched by the Scaled Composites company of Mojave, California. Built to accommodate a single passenger or pilot, it was developed to be the first private spacecraft capable of human spaceflight. Its hybrid-rocket motor is powered by a combination of gaseous nitrous oxide and solid rubber fuel, and produces a maximum thrust of approximately 25,000 lbf. The design of the fuselage is largely based on the X-34, a design previously used by the U.S. Air Force for suborbital flights, and is made of a combination of metal alloys and composite materials. Its wingspan is 26 ft. SpacingShipOne is capable of reaching a maximum altitude of 328,000 ft, and achieving a speed of Mach 3.5. The external design of the fuselage Payload Bay is extremely unique, allowing maximum flexibility for mounting research equipment and other payloads, while offering extra protection for the vehicle when on re-entry and during landing. This spacecraft has been designed using leading edge technology - a digital fly-by-wire system controls the vehicle, with the pilot using a traditional side stick to control the aircraft. In addition, the onboard avionics boast extremely advanced artificial intelligence systems, which help in navigation and flight control. As of August 2020, SpaceShipOne has completed two trips into space, with a third flight planned for 2021. Though still a research project, its successful completion has made it a huge milestone in the realm of commercial space exploration.