JAXA may use WhiteKnightTwo

[docm]

Link....

JAXA aims for 2014 suborbital demonstrator

By Rob Coppinger

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency wants to air launch a suborbital demonstrator by 2014 to test technologies for its planned two-stage to orbit advanced space transport system. The technologies are for reusability, health monitoring and aircraft-like operability. Released at 36,000ft (11,000m) at a speed of about 456kt (845km/h), the vehicle would fire its rocket engines to reach 100km (62miles) and glide back for a runway landing. JAXA is interested in using Virgin Galactic's WhteKnight Two as a carrier aircraft.

 

[nimbus]

Saw that.. That Branson's Midas reincarnated, ain't he?..

 

[CalliArcale]

Sweet! WK2 is a *beautiful* aircraft, and I'm glad to see them getting some mileage out of its unique capabilities.

 

[docm]

I already want WK3 - bigger yet