Image: SpaceShipTwo on its first 'feathered' flight

Virgin Galactic has moved a step closer to operating commercial space travel services after it secured an experimental launch permit by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Scaled Composites, the developer behind the suborbital SpaceShipTwo vessel and its carrier WhiteKnightTwo aircraft, can now proceed with the rocket-powered phase of test flights.

WhiteKnightTwo has already undergone 80 successful test lights, while SpaceShipTwo has completed 16 rocket-free flights - including three testing its "feathering" re-entry system.

SpaceShipTwo will return to flight shortly in order to test its aerodynamic performance with the full weight of its rocket motor system on board.

Last October, Sir Richard Branson dedicated the new 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' - the combined terminal and hanger facility located in New Mexico, US.

Virgin Galactic president and CEO George Whitesides said: "This important milestone enables our team to progress to the rocket-powered phase of test flight, bringing us a major step closer to bringing our customers to space."

Scaled Composites president Doug Shane added: "The spaceship programme is making steady progress, and we are all looking forward to lighting the vehicle's rocket engine in flight for the first time."

Details: www.virgingalactic.com

Image: Clay Center Observatory