A full-size moving replica of Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne (SS1) is now on show at the US Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Museum's new exhibit exploring the emerging era of civilian spacecraft and space tourism.
The SS1 replica (featured in the video below) moves its wings just like the actual spacecraft did as it re-entered the atmosphere during its three flights into space. The exhibit is being dedicated during EAA's AirVenture 2006 air show, taking place this week at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The full-size replica of SpaceShipOne is made from the same moulds as the original craft that won the $10 million Ansari X Prize in 2004.
A complete set of spacecraft components were fabricated at Scaled Composites' facility in Mojave, California and the company's staff volunteered to complete the project under the supervision of the world's first private spacecraft pilot, Mike Melvill.
The exhibit uses sound, lighting effects and rare video footage - some never seen in public - to tell the story of a mission into space aboard SS1. The SS1 exhibit will be part of the Innovations Gallery, which salutes pioneering designs and flight accomplishments by EAA members and other designers.
Six other aircraft designed by Scaled Composites are part of that area, including a full-size mock-up of the Voyager, which became the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop on one tank of fuel in 1986.
The actual Voyager and SS1 are displayed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
The SS1 replica (featured in the video below) moves its wings just like the actual spacecraft did as it re-entered the atmosphere during its three flights into space. The exhibit is being dedicated during EAA's AirVenture 2006 air show, taking place this week at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The full-size replica of SpaceShipOne is made from the same moulds as the original craft that won the $10 million Ansari X Prize in 2004.
A complete set of spacecraft components were fabricated at Scaled Composites' facility in Mojave, California and the company's staff volunteered to complete the project under the supervision of the world's first private spacecraft pilot, Mike Melvill.
The exhibit uses sound, lighting effects and rare video footage - some never seen in public - to tell the story of a mission into space aboard SS1. The SS1 exhibit will be part of the Innovations Gallery, which salutes pioneering designs and flight accomplishments by EAA members and other designers.
Six other aircraft designed by Scaled Composites are part of that area, including a full-size mock-up of the Voyager, which became the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop on one tank of fuel in 1986.
The actual Voyager and SS1 are displayed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Source: Flight International
