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 height of over 15,000 meters by the mothercraft White Knight, which is powered by turbojets. Spaceship 1 uses a hybrid rocket motor fueled by nitrous oxide and rubber, achieving a height of over 102 kilometers after an 84-second rocket burn.

What is the significance of Spaceship 1 in the context of space travel?

Describe the role of the mothercraft White Knight in the launch of Spaceship 1.

What type of fuel does the hybrid rocket motor of Spaceship 1 use?

How long did the rocket burn last during Spaceship 1's flight?

What altitude did Spaceship 1 reach after its rocket motor shut down?