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VIRGIN GALACTIC MOTHERSHIP "EVE" FLYS OVER LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO
LAS CRUCES, NM – Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo vehicle flew over the Las Cruces
International Airport at approximately 9:30 AM MST on Saturday, June 20. The aircraft was
originally scheduled to fly over Southern New Mexico on Friday, June 19, as part of the
groundbreaking ceremonies for Spaceport America. However, a minor technical issue with an
actuator and approaching thunderstorms compelled the WhiteKnightTwo to made a technical
stop in Phoenix. The flight was completed the next morning.
Making its eleventh test flight, the WhiteKnightTwo arrived over the Las Cruces International
Airport Saturday morning and circled the facility three times. The aircraft made a low pass over
the runway and flew out over the city of Las Cruces before beginning its return trip to Mojave,
California.
Spaceport America is the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. WhiteKnightTwo is
Virgin Galactic's mother ship for the company's SpaceShipTwo, a vehicle that will transport
passengers from Spaceport America to the edge of space. Spaceport America is expected to
begin construction in July and is scheduled for completion in late 2010 or early 2011.