I want to build an electric White Knight platform to launch the Estes Space Ship One while in flight and capture the whole thing with on board video and photography. Here is my journal documenting my attempt.

Phase I
Objective: Build an electric aircraft platform for launching Space Ship One
Completed: 14 April 2005
My launch platform is a kit bash of the GWS SlowStick. Twin engine with a center rail that will carry the rocket powered Space Ship One aloft. She flew like a champ today with serious lift capability.

Phase II
Objective: Build a rocket powered Space Ship One
Completed: 5 March 2005
Weight comes in at 3.5oz with motor. Rocket motor is a Estes C6-3.

sweet!!! more to come right?

Tomorrow will be a test flight with Space Ship One under the belly, pics to follow. If all goes well look for a full up launch on Saturday, should have video and pics of the event.

yea!!! You might want to check out the other rocket-launched planes threads for tips!

Impressive! Good luck with the voyage. Are you going to haul M&M's onboard Space Ship One to recreate the sub-orbital flight?

Space Ship One is loaded under the belly of "Red" Knight for an early morning test flight. Stay tuned!

This is the angle of the in flight video camera that will capture the launch of Space Ship One from "Red" Knight.

Nice plane!
Out of curiousity, how are you going to do the ignitor system? Rocket ignitors are VERY low-resistance, and require about 8 volts to fire reliably. A speed400 class ESC (~20A) could deliver the current with a solid-state system, but you might be better off with a servo operated switch. Although a NiMh AAA pack can most likely put out the necessary current, you'll momentarily lose control as the ignitor effectively shorts out the battery as it burns. I can verify all of this from personal experience.

And yes, I have no life.

Heh, this is very cool! I watched both winning SSO flights live via Webcast, in complete awe. I like the launch cam angle. Just need the Virgin logo on the tail

What is the expected trajectory of the rocket? Good luck with the test flight in the morning!

Cheers,
-Max

Looks great! But, wont the rocket ignition and thrust throw the "mother ship" out of wack almost instantly? I used to build and launch model rockets and it all happens really quick! But, otherwise its a very original idea and it sounds fun just even attempting it. Good luck!!

I'd be more worried about the rocket motor toasting the tail feathers of the mothership.

Eeeek! good point. But its all in fun, Yes?

Kewl! Video is a must here. Good luck

How are you going to ignite the motor? If your SS1 only came with 2 chunks of clay, you need to add more. It won't be stable without it.