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GLOBALFLYER’S MISSION CONTROL OPERATIONS TO BE HOUSED AT K-STATE AT SALINA
December 1, 2004
SALINA – The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer project, attempting a solo flight around the world, will base its mission control operations on the campus of Kansas State University at Salina, Virgin Atlantic announced Wednesday. The project, coordinated by Virgin Atlantic Airways and CEO Richard Branson, will attempt the world-record flight from Salina in early January.
Piloting the aircraft will be Steve Fossett, an Australian well known for his attempts at world records, including an around-the-world balloon trip in 2002. The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will be a solo, non-refueled flight crossing 23,000 miles before returning to Salina. It is estimated the flight will be completed in 80 hours or less.
“I cannot express how excited we are to host the GlobalFlyer project in the community of Salina, not to mention having mission control on our campus,” said Dennis Kuhlman, K-State at Salina dean. “And to be able to share the hands-on experience with K-State students makes this an unforgettable opportunity.”
Salina was chosen from a long list of possible host sites, most of which were larger or better-known locations, Kuhlman said. It was a combination of factors that made Salina the best option, he said, including the knowledgeable aerospace community at K-State and throughout the area.
K-State at Salina student volunteers have been requested to help with mission control and other aviation operations, as well as hospitality and media relations during the mission. Mission control will include aircraft tracking, weather reporting and air traffic control communications and is scheduled to take place in the College Center on campus. In addition to the project team, it is expected that the event will draw as many as 200 reporters from around the world.
The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft was designed by Burt Rutan, renowned winner of the recently awarded X-Prize, which recognized the first manned civilian aircraft flown into space. The plane has been specially created for aerodynamics, but also to accommodate the immense amount of fuel needed for the non-stop flight. With thirteen fuel tanks in all, it is expected that fuel will account for 83 percent of the plane’s takeoff weight.
GLOBALFLYER’S MISSION CONTROL OPERATIONS TO BE HOUSED AT K-STATE AT SALINA
December 1, 2004
SALINA – The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer project, attempting a solo flight around the world, will base its mission control operations on the campus of Kansas State University at Salina, Virgin Atlantic announced Wednesday. The project, coordinated by Virgin Atlantic Airways and CEO Richard Branson, will attempt the world-record flight from Salina in early January.
Piloting the aircraft will be Steve Fossett, an Australian well known for his attempts at world records, including an around-the-world balloon trip in 2002. The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will be a solo, non-refueled flight crossing 23,000 miles before returning to Salina. It is estimated the flight will be completed in 80 hours or less.
“I cannot express how excited we are to host the GlobalFlyer project in the community of Salina, not to mention having mission control on our campus,” said Dennis Kuhlman, K-State at Salina dean. “And to be able to share the hands-on experience with K-State students makes this an unforgettable opportunity.”
Salina was chosen from a long list of possible host sites, most of which were larger or better-known locations, Kuhlman said. It was a combination of factors that made Salina the best option, he said, including the knowledgeable aerospace community at K-State and throughout the area.
K-State at Salina student volunteers have been requested to help with mission control and other aviation operations, as well as hospitality and media relations during the mission. Mission control will include aircraft tracking, weather reporting and air traffic control communications and is scheduled to take place in the College Center on campus. In addition to the project team, it is expected that the event will draw as many as 200 reporters from around the world.
The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft was designed by Burt Rutan, renowned winner of the recently awarded X-Prize, which recognized the first manned civilian aircraft flown into space. The plane has been specially created for aerodynamics, but also to accommodate the immense amount of fuel needed for the non-stop flight. With thirteen fuel tanks in all, it is expected that fuel will account for 83 percent of the plane’s takeoff weight.