Scaled Composites SpaceShipThree

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This article or section contains information regarding a future spaceflight. Due to the nature of the content, details may change dramatically as the launch date approaches and/or more information becomes available.

The Scaled Composites SpaceShipThree is a proposed orbital spaceplane to be developed by Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites if SpaceShipTwo is successful.

Early reports suggest it will be capable of orbital flight, and possibly able to dock with space stations.

SS3 would be part of Scaled Composites/Virgin Galactic's Tier Two program of orbital spaceflight.

SS3's configuration will undoubtedly be significantly different from that of SS1/SS2, owing to the different dynamics and needs of orbital versus suborbital flight.

[edit] Related content

Designation sequence:	SpaceShipOne	→	SpaceShipTwo	→	SpaceShipThree
Related development:	White Knight One	→	White Knight Two	→	White Knight Three
Development program:	Tier One	→	Tier 1b	→	Tier Two
Comparable aircraft:	North American X-15 & NASA X-38 & Space Shuttle

[edit] External links

• SpaceShipThree poised to follow if SS2 succeeds (Flight International, 8/23/2005)
• Space tourism companies aiming for orbit (New Scientist Space, 8/24/2005)
• SpaceShipThree - information about the development of the spacecraft.