WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2004
1355 GMT (9:55 a.m. EDT)
Just as promised, the winds significantly decreased at sunrise. The first chase plane is preparing for takeoff
Cool... Better late then never...
1435 GMT (10:35 a.m. EDT)
White Knight is climbing to the launch altitude by making wide circles over Mojave.
This twin-engine turbojet craft made its first flight in August 2002.
In addition to being the mothership to launch SpaceShipOne today, the White Knight's flying characteristics -- thrust-to-weight ratio and speed brakes -- allow it to be used as a flight simulator for SpaceShipOne pilot training.