EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Features First Public Flight of Virgin Galactic Mothership WhiteKnightTwo

On July 27- August 2, over 500,000 people and 10,000 aircrafts will come together at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh WI for the 57th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh. Billed as the 'World's Greatest Aviation Celebration,' the event provides a forum for participants from all 50 states and over 15 countries to study the latest aircraft innovations, discover new ideas and techniques and see aviation's top personalities. One of this year's main events will be the first public flights of the Virgin Galactic Mothership WhiteKnightTwo, nicknamed 'Eve' after company founder Richard Branson's mother. Eve will make several low passes upon arrival on July 27, the first of 4 scheduled flight demonstrations during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The second flight, on July 28, will be the first time Branson (BR) will be a crewmember on a Virgin Galactic flight. The 4 engine aircraft, with its 140 foot wingspan, will soon be ferrying SpaceShip Two and private astronauts on the first stage of the company's sub-orbital experience. Canada aviation heritage will also be celebrated at the event, as the country commemorates 100 years since its first flight. Activities on Friday, July 31 will include the 2nd annual WomenVenture program celebrating the successes of female pilots. AirVenture Oshkosh brings an estimated US$110 million economic impact to Oshkosh area counties each year. (Credit: EAA Airventure)

US Human Space Flight Plans Committee to Advance Innovative Enterprises for NASA Space Program

With the nation facing an economic crisis and vast amounts of federal money funding war efforts, NASA has been forced to scale back programs that promise major scientific discoveries. The US Human Space Flight Plans Committee can offer a fresh assessment of America’s human space flight program and the most practical ways to achieve our ‘boldest aspirations in space.’ The 10 member committee will hold 3 public meetings July 28-30 to continue examining NASA’s space exploration strategy. The sessions will allow members and the public to discuss ideas regarding current space initiatives, committee sub-group reports and NASA’s Constellation program.  The first meeting will be July 28 in League City, Texas, followed by Huntsville, Alabama and the final taking place in Cocoa Beach, Florida July 30. The committee will also observe each of the Space Center’s Operations located at NASA Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and Kennedy Space Center. Chairman and former CEO of Lockheed Martin, Norman Augustine (R) will be on hand to answer questions from reporters. NASA has provided the world with inspiration that creates scientists and fosters innovation to explore the Moon and beyond. It can continue to inspire future generations while operating within budget by engaging space faring powers Russia, China, Europe and emerging nations like India, Brazil and by enhancing collaborations with the commercial, private sectors. (Credit: NASA)