Virgin Galactic’s Dave Mackay was treated to a stunning view of the Earth below on his first space flight.
The Highland-born pilot became the first Scottish-born astronaut on Friday as the space company’s VSS Unity underwent a test flight.
Pictures shared of the flight show a glimpse of the incredible visuals from over 50km above the planet’s surface.
What’s the view like from the cockpit of SpaceShipTwo? Check out the reflection in our Chief Pilot, Dave Mackay’s, visor. ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/zEZ1pOeoRu
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) February 25, 2019
"Welcome to space, Scotland". Our Chief Pilot, Dave Mackay, is the 569th human in space and the first Scottish born astronaut. This was his journey to space. ? pic.twitter.com/K058YtA27y
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) February 23, 2019
After returning to the ground at Mojave aiport in California, Mackay said: “It was thrilling yet smooth and nicely controlled throughout, with a view at the top, of the Earth from space, which exceeded all our expectations.”
Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane was pushed to a higher altitude and faster speed than it had been previously.
It’s all aimed at becoming the first company to offer commercial space travel.
More than 700 people, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber, have also already signed up for potential Virgin Galactic trips and paid £192,000 ($250,000) each for their tickets.
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