Spaceship One: A Milestone in Private Space Exploration

Spaceship 1, the first privately built and piloted craft to reach space, is now part of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. It won the X Prize by completing two space flights within two weeks. The spacecraft was launched from a mothercraft, White Knight, which lifted it to 15,000 meters before release. Powered by a hybrid rocket motor using nitrous oxide and rubber, Spaceship 1 achieved a height of over 102 kilometers after an 84-second rocket burn.

What significant achievement did Spaceship 1 accomplish?

• It was the first spacecraft to carry a human to Mars.

• It was the first spacecraft to land on the Moon.

• It was the first privately built and piloted craft to reach space.

• It was the first spacecraft to orbit the Earth.

What is the role of the White Knight in the launch process?

• To control the trajectory of Spaceship 1.

• To land Spaceship 1 safely back on Earth.

• To carry Spaceship 1 to its launch height.

• To provide fuel for Spaceship 1.

How long did it take for White Knight to lift Spaceship 1 to its launch height?

• 30 minutes

• 15 minutes

• 60 minutes

• 45 minutes

What fuels the hybrid rocket motor of Spaceship 1?

• Kerosene and liquid oxygen

• Methane and liquid oxygen

• Nitrous oxide and rubber

• Liquid hydrogen and oxygen

To what height did Spaceship 1 ascend after the rocket motor shut down?

• 102 kilometers

• 150 kilometers

• 50 kilometers

• 75 kilometers