Band 7+: The diagram shows how the SpaceShipOne is designed to gain and lose altitude. SpaeShipOne is a prototype re-usable spacecraft, transported by a specially designed aircraft, White Knight, to launch height. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The given diagram illustrates how SpaceShipOne, a type of reusable space rocket, manipulates its height outside of the atmosphere.

At first glance, there are five stages in the main operation cycle, starting with the separation of the spacecraft from its transport plane, White Knight, and ending with the re-entry of the ship.

In the propulsion stage, SpaceShipOne is transported by White Knight to an altitude of 50,000 feet above sea level (approximately 15km). Once the altitude is reached, it is disconnected from the aircraft. After the separation, White Knight flies back to the Earth, leaving the spacecraft to climb on its own. Subsequently, SpaceShipOne’s thrusters are activated at an altitude of 30km, providing the vehicle with the necessary acceleration to reach its desired height.

After travelling to its apex at around 100km in altitude, the spaceship switches to its descending phase. During the re-entry, SpaceShipOne’s wings tilt upwards, creating a shuttlecock effect that stabilizes the craft and maintains the correct re-entry trajectory with minimal error. Following this, a dramatic reduction in altitude occurs as the vehicle navigates its way down, with the wings returning to their regular position, allowing the craft to glide back to Earth and complete the journey.