"Ultimate Launch Pad For This Ultimate Flight"

NASA announced Friday the agency's Kennedy Space Center, FL, will be the takeoff site for an attempt by Steve Fossett and Virgin Atlantic's GlobalFlyer aircraft to set the record for the longest flight ever of an airplane or balloon. NASA and Virgin Atlantic Airways' agreement to use Kennedy's Space Shuttle Landing Facility is the result of a pilot program to expand access to the shuttle's runway for non-NASA activities.

"We're thrilled that Steve Fossett and Virgin Atlantic selected the Shuttle Landing Facility as the take-off point for this world record attempt," said Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy. "The project will further enhance our efforts to expand the facility's use."

An exact takeoff date for Virgin Atlantic's GlobalFlyer aircraft has not been determined and is contingent on weather. The flight is expected to take place in February. Steve Fossett will attempt to fly solo around the world, non-stop without refueling, in the aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. It is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy for preflight preparations on Jan. 6, 2006.

The GlobalFlyer, built by Scaled Composites, Inc., is a single pilot, ultra light aircraft designed for non-stop global circumnavigation. The plane will fly mostly at 45,000 feet at speeds faster than 285 mph.

"Launching from the Kennedy Space Center at NASA will give both pilot and aircraft the ultimate launch pad for this ultimate flight," said Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways. "We're excited to be able to partner with NASA on this attempt, as it is a perfect combination of innovation and aspiration."

As was previously reported in Aero-News, Fossett successfully completed the first solo round-the-world flight in the GlobalFlyer last March, making a round trip flight from Salina, KS to... Salina, KS, in just over 66 hours.

The Salina Municipal Airport was chosen for the original flight due to it's 12,300-foot main runway, as well as the fact it wasn't anywhere near an ocean... meaning if Fossett had to ditch near the end, he'd likely do it over land - not as large a concern this time around.

FMI: www.globalflyer.com, www.ksc.nasa.gov, www.scaled.com