SpaceShipTwo's First Solo Glide Flight in Photos

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.