Free Flight

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo makes its first solo test flight Oct. 10, 2010. See photos from the company's milestone flight as they prepare to take space tourists aloft.

The Drop

The WhiteKnightTwo Carrier Plane drops Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo to begin its first solo glide test flight on Oct. 10, 2010.

Glider

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo private suborbital spacecraft makes its first solo test flight on Oct. 10, 2010.

On Land

SpaceShipTwo lands at the Mojave Air and Space Port Sunday after completing its first solo flight on Oct. 10, 2010.

You Are in My Vision

Burt Rutan of Scaled Composites and Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic look on as their space plane, SpaceShipTwo, prepares for its first solo glide test.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Galactic team discuss the day ahead for the first solo glide flight of SpaceShipTwo.

More Pre-Flight Preparation

A camera crew records the Virgin Galactic team in discussions ahead of SpaceShipTwo's first solo glide test on Oct. 10, 2010.

Dawn in Mojave

Preparing for the big day. Virgin Galactic gears up for the first solo glide test flight of SpaceShipTwo, a suborbital commercial spacecraft, on Oct. 10, 2010 in Mojave, Calif.

Scenesetter

Preparations for SpaceShipTwo's first solo glide flight are almost complete as the sun rises over the Mojave Air and Space Port in California on Oct. 10, 2010.

Have a Nice Day

The Virgin Galactic team shows a sense of humor with a sign on the undercarriage of WhiteKnightTwo, the mothership for the company's SpaceShipTwo suborbital spacecraft..

Prepping for Take-Off

Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft and the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spacecraft prepare for the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Aerial Ballet

The VSS2 glides away just after being released during the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Watching History

Burt Rutan of Scaled Composites and Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic watch the first solo test glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Freedom

The VSS2 Enterprise glides through the sky during the first solo test glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

VSS Enterprise Glides By

A stunning shot of the VSS2 in action, during the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

On the Way Home

Preparing for landing, the VSS2 Enterprise glides through the sky during the first solo test glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

In Flight

SpaceShipTwo glides, turning toward the airport. during the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Here We Come

VSS Enterprise glides fantastically back toward Mojave Space Port, during the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Descending to Earth

The VMS Eve returns from the drop of the SpaceShipTwo during the first solo test glide test of VSS2 on Oct. 10, 2010.

Touchdown

SpaceShipTwo lands back home on earth, following the first solo test glide test on Oct. 10, 2010.

Time to Celebrate

VMS EVE, VSS Enterprise with the Virgin Galactic team on the ground following the successful first glide flight on Oct. 10, 2010.

Having a Nice Day

Burt, Sir Richard and the Virgin Galactic team celebrate their success following the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Success!

Pete Seibold and Mike Melvill celebrate a successful first glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

Pride

VSS Enterprise and a very proud team in Mojave, following the first drop and glide test of SpaceShipTwo on Oct. 10, 2010.

SpaceShipTwo's First Solo Glide Flight in Photos

Date: 18 February 2011 Time: 01:54 AM ET
MORE ALBUMS
Go