Photos from the First Private Manned Spaceflight
6/21/04 - Mohave, CA

all photos by Bill Hunt (except credited)

Some of the many thousands gathered at the Mohave Airport to witness the flight.
Some of the many thousands gathered at the Mohave Airport to witness the flight.

White Knight, carrying Space Ship One, taxis for takeoff.
White Knight, carrying Space Ship One, taxis for takeoff.

Close-up of White Knight carrying Space Ship One.
Close-up of White Knight carrying Space Ship One.

Space Ship One races into space after being released by White Knight.
Space Ship One races into space after being released by White Knight.

Space Ship One returning to Earth followed by chase planes.
Space Ship One returning to Earth followed by chase planes.

Space Ship One (on right) on final approach for landing.
Space Ship One (on right) on final approach for landing.

The perfect ending to a record-setting mission.
The perfect ending to a record-setting mission.

Two views from White Knight flyover.
Two views from White Knight flyover.

Pilot Mike Melvill salutes the crowd.
Pilot Mike Melvill salutes the crowd.

Space Ship One being towed past the crowd on the flightline.
Space Ship One being towed past the crowd on the flightline.

America's newest astronaut, Mike Melvill, and his spacecraft.
America's newest astronaut, Mike Melvill, and his spacecraft.

A rear view of Space Ship One showing its rocket motor.
A rear view of Space Ship One showing its rocket motor.

Celebrating a successful mission, and the dawn of a new age in human spaceflight.
Celebrating a successful mission, and the dawn of a new age in human spaceflight.

This one speaks for itself...
This one speaks for itself...