SpaceShipTwo Mothership Makes Maiden Flight

RobGoldsmith writes: "Earlier this week images were appearing on the internet showing that the WhiteKnightTwo craft had been doing some tests in Mojave, the earliest tests showed perhaps two of the engines being used, while a later test showed all the engines working and some further testing. Today showed the four Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines finally carrying the craft into the air. The maiden flight of the craft lasted just shy of one hour and happened today at around 08.15 at Mojave air and spaceport. Rumours suggest that a Beechcraft King Air was used for a chase plane. The craft will be used to carry Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo craft into space and is estimated to happen around 2010. Read more about the maiden flight of the craft here."