What Is a Suborbital Flight?
A suborbital flight is a type of spaceflight that reaches space but does not enter into orbit around Earth. Simply put, a suborbital flight goes up and comes back down, without circling the Earth. This is different from orbital flights, which maintain their position in space for extended periods with no additional propulsion needed.
The term 'suborbital' is used to describe flights that do not achieve the critical speed necessary to achieve orbit. This means the aircraft or spacecraft does not fly fast enough to stay in orbit. Instead, it reaches a high altitude and re-enters the atmosphere. The altitude at which a suborbital flight is considered to reach space varies depending on how you define space, but generally, it is the ballpark of 50 to 62 miles (80 to 100 kilometers).
Why Is a Virgin Galactic Flight a Suborbital Flight?
Virgin Galactic, a leading space tourism company, operates flights that are categorized as suborbital flights. These flights are capable of reaching altitudes of over 50 miles (80 kilometers), which puts them within the range of the edge of space as defined by US authorities. To put this into perspective, most orbital flights reach altitudes of 100 miles or more.
When a Virgin Galactic flight reaches such high altitudes, the passengers experience weightlessness for a brief period, typically around 15 to 30 minutes. This weightlessness is similar to what astronauts experience during their orbital missions. However, the flight does not continue to orbit Earth and re-enters the atmosphere to land, making it a suborbital flight.
Is a Suborbital Flight Safe?
Suborbital flights have a safety record that is generally considered good. One of the primary reasons for this safety is the lower velocities involved compared to orbital flights. Orbital flights require much more powerful rockets to achieve the necessary speed and maintain orbit. Additionally, re-entering the atmosphere at high speeds poses significant risks, as evidenced by the tragic accidents involving the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
The Virgin Galactic flights are designed with safety as a top priority. The company has implemented rigorous safety measures and trained pilots extensively to ensure that the suborbital flights are as safe as possible. Regular testing and updates to the spacecraft design help maintain this safety record.
The Backstory: From Virgin Galactic to Space Travel
The journey to space from the early days of Virgin Galactic to today is a fascinating one. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, first announced the plans for suborbital space flights in 2004. Since then, the company has undergone numerous tests, setbacks, and successes, all aimed at making space travel accessible to more people.
The first of these flights, launched in 2023, marked a significant milestone in commercial space travel. These flights involve several stages: the initial boost by the carrier aircraft (WhiteKnightTwo), followed by the rocket-powered ascent of the SpaceShipTwo. Once in the suborbital range, the passengers experience about 15 minutes of true space where they can enjoy weightlessness before re-entry.
Conclusion
In summary, a suborbital flight, like those offered by Virgin Galactic, is a significant step towards commercial space tourism. Although not true orbits, these flights achieve altitudes that are widely recognized as space and provide a unique experience to the passengers. Additionally, these flights are safer compared to orbital missions, mainly due to their lower velocities and the steps taken to ensure passenger and staff safety. As technology advances and space becomes more accessible, the future of space travel looks incredibly promising.