Band 8+: 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 diagram shows how SpaceShipOne, a kind of reusable spacecraft that was transported by White Knight to launch height, was designed to gain and lose altitude.

There are five stages in the cycle, starting with the unfolding of the spacecraft from White Knight and ending with the re-entry of the ship.

In the first stage, SpaceShipOne is delivered to an altitude of 50,000 feet above sea level while White Knight flies back to Earth, letting the spacecraft reach its required height.

The highest point of the spacecraft’s flight is 100 km, and after achieving it, the spaceship switches to its descending phase. SpaceShipOne tilts its wings upwards for a shuttlecock effect that helps hold the ship and maintain its accurate position for re-entry without errors.

After this operation, the wings of the spacecraft are tilted back to their standard position, enabling SpaceShipOne to come back to Earth and complete the journey.