On October 4, 2004, SpaceShip One rocketed into history, becoming the first private manned spacecraft to exceed an altitude of 328,000 feet twice within the span of a 14 day period, thus claiming the ten million dollar Ansari X-Prize.
Blasting to an altitude of 364,000 feet (70 miles) aboard SpaceShip One, eight miles beyond what was needed, pilot Brian Binnie "made history," in the words of Peter Diamandis, co-founder of the X Prize Foundation, whose $10 million award was intended to spur civilian spaceflight. During that flight, pilot Binnie remarked, "It looks great," as he accelerated the craft towards mach 3. Although he told mission control the craft felt a little shaky with "a little roll," this time, there were no unintentional corkscrews. After reaching the landmark achievement, Binnie brought SpaceShip One to a safe landing.
Discover SpaceShip One with these pictures.
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