Sparks, Nev., January 10, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) congratulates Virgin Galacticon its third successful powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo (SS2), the world’s first commercial space tourism vehicle. Once again, SNC provided the safe, non-toxic, hybrid rocket propulsion system for Virgin Galactic’s test.
During today’s test at Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, Calif., SS2 was released from the carrier aircraft, WhiteKnightTwo, upon reaching an altitude of 46,000 feet. The SS2 pilots triggered ignition of the SNC hybrid rocket motor, propelling SS2 to a maximum altitude of 71,000 feet and achieving Mach 1.4. The vehicle achieved its test flight objectives and returned home safely.
SNC’s hybrid rocket system has propelled all Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo powered flights to date.
“With three successful crewed test flights completed as planned for Virgin Galactic, our rocket engine technology continues to demonstrate its excellence in terms of safety, performance and reliability,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “Today’s test provides another confirmation that our propulsion motor technology is reliable and repeatable. To date, SNC has performed more than 70 hot fire tests of this rocket motor technology.”
SNC’s patented hybrid rocket systems offer a safe, high-performing and non-toxic alternative to solid and hydrazine liquid propulsion systems. The rocket motor fuel requires no special handling or transportation, greatly increasing safety while reducing lifecycle cost to customers.
In addition to the hybrid engine technology, SNC also manufactures other key propulsion subsystems on the SS2 vehicle, including the main oxidizer valve and the nitrous oxide release and control systems. The manufacturing of these motors and subsystem are performed at SNC’s Poway, Calif., facility.
Media Contact: media.ssg@sncorp.com or Krystal Scordo at 720-407-3192.
About SNC
SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for national security systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is at the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It's part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.