Space center to be launch site for record-setting flight attempt

Posted on: Dec. 19th, 2005 || Source: orlando.bizjournals.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Kennedy Space Center will be the takeoff site for an attempt to set the record for the longest flight of an aircraft or balloon.

NASA and Virgin Atlantic Airways' agreement to use KSC's Space Shuttle Landing Facility is the result of a pilot program to expand access to the shuttle's runway for non-NASA activities.

In a written release, the space center says that an exact takeoff date for Virgin Atlantic's GlobalFlyer aircraft has not been determined and is dependent on weather conditions.

The GlobalFlyer, expected to attempt its record-breaking feat sometime in February, will be piloted by Steve Fossett, who will attempt to fly solo around the world, nonstop without refueling, in an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. It is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center for pre-flight preparations on Jan. 6.

Read the full article

• Lockheed Demonstrates Intelligent Autonomous Control of Multiple UAVs
• Russian Navy aircraft test new equipment over the Arctic
• Russia may push forward with S-300 sales to Iran
• Boeing, US Navy Offer Super Hornet for Denmark Fighter Competition
• Boeing Awarded US Army Contract for 191 CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
• The Netherlands shows interest in Gripen
• 4th F-35 Lightning II Rolls Out As Production Line Fills Up At Lockheed
• Lockheed Martin C-5m Super Galaxy Completes Flight Test
• Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols
• Predator passes 400,000 hours
• Future Predator/Reaper Formal Training Unit announced
• Saab/Gripen team completes Hungarian offset contract
• South African Gripen deliveries on track
• Boeing Delivers Super Hornet Proposal to Brazil For F-X2 Competition
• Northrop to Support NASA's Global Hawk Earth Science Research Aircraft