Will Whitehorn of Virgin Galactic
- Space has become more relevant to the public in the past 3 years since he first attended the ISDC
- A small county in NM even passed a tax increase on themselves for space
- Spent a $100M to get to the point where their commercial spaceflight system begins tests this summer.
- Branson says "Better to follow a pioneer than to be a pioneer", i.e. the pioneer often runs into big problems.
- The X-15 program was ahead of its time. Needed technologies like composites to be practical.
- Finding out about the development of the WK1/SS1 early this decade was a big surprise. Began talks with Burt about a commercial version.
- After the X PRIZE success, the project got going. In first year, received $10M in deposits. Proved to Virgin group investment committee that the project was viable and they agreed to the funding.
- Customers made clear they wanted a big open area in which they could float around and look out and take pictures.
- Customer comments convinced them a "SS1.5" wouldn't be of interest.
- See significant market for carrying scientists as well as tourists.
- Showing recent pictures of WK2/SS2 construction
- WK2 will be the world's largest totally composite aircraft (787 is only 60% composite).
- Tourist groups will go first on the WK2 to see a SS2 launch before going themselves.
- Mounted WK2 wing two weeks ago. Engines going on this week.
- July 28th is the roll-out
- Flights in September.
- Will test for 6-8 months before starting incremental tests with SS2.
- No fixed date to start passenger flights.
- Test flight program will need to make them 100% confident in its safety before using for passengers.
- Fall back position is to use it for science missions and small sat launcher.
- Commercial spaceflight cannot afford a "Hindenburg moment".
- So "got to get it right".
- Describes the experience of a passenger ride on SS2.
- 3 days of training before a flight.
- Passenger training experience (which includes centrifuge) so far has shown that 94% of potential customers can safely take the flights. People in their 80s have passed the training tests.
- Asked Burt to give the WK2 long range.
- The NM site is a great place for a spaceport. Low population helps with safety and insurance.
- Clear air space. Local resources incl. White Sands infrastructure.
- The facility will be nearly carbon neutral. Designed for low energy use.
- "Theme park for space" - lots of access and visibility for SS2 operations.
- Show a video clip with Rutan, Branson, scenes from assembly line, etc
Questions:
- If SS2 a success, then SS3 will be developed for orbital access
- SS1 cost $25M-30M. The SS2 will be in the $250M range. Paul Allen will "get his money back".
- Status on propulsion: Describes the explosion as an industrial accident. Rocket propulsion development now going ahead with lessons learned from the accident.
- (BTW: I heard a rumor that they may use wax fueled hybrids.)
- Discusses how students should prepare for a career in commercial space.
- Prices will come down but can't say how fast. Expect it will get well below $100k within 4 to 5 years of operation.
- XCOR is building a MIG equivalent but not a spaceship where passengers can move around.
- If cheap enough, Virgin will buy Lynxes.

Announcement from George Whitesides and Virgin Galactic:
- Space Ambassador project - www.spaceambassadors.com
- One ambassador will be selected for a free flight on the SS2
- NSS Press Release
- Whitehorn says they plan more such programs with other groups.