Security seemed a bit higher on this launch than the previous launch. The assumption is the white car with the black mirrors is some sort of "unmarked" police car, or else someone owns some really tacky wheels. The car in the photograph gives some scale to the White Knight, which has an 82ft wing span.
The launch is done a bit after sunrise. Unlike the dry run done on June 21st, 2004, the sun was at a lower angle since it is later in the year.
The Virgin Galactic logo was added to the tail.
This is combination of the White Knight and Space Ship One at about a distance of 2.5 miles. It looks like Space Ship One is testing its tail, which changes configuration depending on normal flight or the "shuttle-cock" mode, which is used to slow down the space ship as it reenters the atmosphere.
Now it is time to dis' Air Show Network. From this photo, you couldn't tell that I was in the front row, a spot I staked out at 3AM. It seems the wizards at Air Show Network thought is would be a good idea to leave 15ft between those in the front row and the fence. Of course I informed security this was not going to work since the people behind those in the front row will jump the line. I was told that the crack security team would keep the crowd back. Now in the photo below, the crack security team (lets calls them Omega force) are the guys in cammo and orange vests. Nice job guys.
Oh yeah, you can see the White Knight - Space Ship One combo above the green fire truck.
Just in case you think this is the one photo where Air Show Network's Omega Team was screwing around, here is another photo of them in action. You can see security taking their own photos. I'm not sure why these jerks felt it was OK to rush the line. It's like the rules don't apply to them. To further dis' Air Show Network, notice the PA speaker. They blared music starting around 4AM, ignoring the fact some of those who showed up early were trying to get some sleep. The volume was just a tad louder than what was used by the FBI to drive out David Koresh and the Branch Dividians. Is there anyone on the planet that wants to hear Earth Wind and Fire at 4AM?
N514RS, a "Starship", is one of the chase planes.
Sorry, no decent contrail photos from the rocket launch. [See the second X-prize page for a good contrail.] Here, we have Space Ship One landing, followed by the "Extra", an acrobatic plane.
The Extra, Starship, and Alpha Jet doing a victory pass.
Mike Melville, civilian astronaut and nearly a senior citizen (as he keeps pointing out). BTW, there are a few Virgin Atlantic planes in storage at the Mojave Bone Yard.
When the "Shuttle" lands, there is great concern about toxic fumes, so the crowd is kept at a distance. When Space Ship One Lands, the pilot can stand on it.
