NASA announced on Friday that the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida would be the takeoff site for an attempt to set the record for the longest flight of an aircraft or balloon.
NASA and Virgin Atlantic Airways’ agreement to use Kennedy's Space Shuttle Landing Facility is the result of a pilot program to expand access to the shuttle's runway for non-NASA activities.
An exact takeoff date for Virgin Atlantic's GlobalFlyer aircraft has not been determined and is contingent on weather. The flight is expected to take place in February. Steve Fossett will attempt to fly solo around the world, non-stop without refuelling, in the aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. It is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy for pre-flight preparations on January 6, 2006.
"We're thrilled that Steve Fossett and Virgin Atlantic selected the Shuttle Landing Facility as the take-off point for this world record attempt. The project will further enhance our efforts to expand the facility's use." - Jim Kennedy, Kennedy Space Centre Director.
The GlobalFlyer, built by Scaled Composites, Inc., is a single pilot, ultra light aircraft designed for non-stop global circumnavigation. The plane will fly mostly at 13,700 metres at speeds faster than 459 km/ph.
"Launching from the Kennedy Space Centre at NASA will give both pilot and aircraft the ultimate launch pad for this ultimate flight. We're excited to be able to partner with NASA on this attempt, as it is a perfect combination of innovation and aspiration." - Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
