Virgin Galactic spaceflight sets new height record

The Virgin Galactic space tourism programme has completed it's third full test flight, successfully launching a rocket-propelled spaceplane to 71,000ft.

On Friday, the test flight took off from Mojave in California. The spaceplane SpaceShip2 was carried to an altitude of 46,000 feet by the launcher, WhiteKnight2, at which point it detached and used its rocket engine to climb to 71,000 feet - a record altitude for the craft.

The video shows SpaceShip2 dropping from WhiteKnight2 before engaging the rocket, with cameras on board both crafts.

The test flight broke the speed of sound, reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 - nearly twice the top speed of a Boeing 747.

[Scale of universe measured to within 1 percent]

Several specific technologies were under scrutiny on the flight, particularly the Reaction Control System, which will allow the pilots to maneouvre the plan in space - both for viewing purposes and to prepare for re-entry. Also being tested was the thermal protection coating, crucial for maintaining stable temperatures while the rocket is firing.

Commenting on the successful test flight, Sir Richard Branson said: “I couldn’t be happier to start the New Year with all the pieces visibly in place for the start of full space flights. 2014 will be the year when we will finally put our beautiful spaceship in her natural environment of space. Today, we had our own Chief Pilot [Dave Mackay] flying another flawless supersonic flight and proving the various systems required to take us safely to space, as well as providing the very best experience while we’re up there.”

Mackay himself added that it was a 'dream come true'.

'I have watched SS2 evolve over the years into an incredible vehicle that is going to open up space to more people than ever before,” he said. “To be behind the controls and fly it as the rocket ignited is something I will never forget. She flew brilliantly. All the tests went really well and generated vital data that will be used to further fine-tune our operations.'