First New Mexico launch set for this month by Virgin Galactic

FILE – In this Feb. 13, 2020, file photo, Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity departs Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, Calif. for the final time as Virgin Galactic shifts its SpaceFlight operations to New Mexico. 

 

The first manned test flight into space by Virgin Galactic in New Mexico should occur this month and no doubt, those with Oklahoma’s Spaceport will be paying close attention.

As the Associated Press reported, the flights of the company’s spacecraft, VSS Unity are planned between Nov. 19 and 23. Two previous test spaceflights were made out of Mojave, California but the company has since moved into its facilities at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

The company is preparing to carry Unity aloft using a special carrier jet. It will be released at high altitude and its rocket engine will be ignited.

Spaceport America  is located about  20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences or roughly 50 miles north of Las Cruces.

Click here to read more of the AP story.