Steve Fossett talks to the media about the reason the takeoff of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was postponed. Behind Fossett is Sir Richard Branson, chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic. Behind both is the GlobalFlyer aircraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Globalflyer departs from NASA's Kennedy Shuttle runway

The Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft took off yesterday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, Florida. The effort is an attempt to set a new world record for the longest flight made by any aircraft.

NASA agreed to let Virgin use the shuttle facility as part of a pilot program to expand access to the runway for non-agency activities. The use of the runway is part of NASA's efforts to support the President's Management Agenda and the U.S. Space Transportation Policy.

Piloted by Steve Fossett, the aircraft used more than 13,000 of the 15,000 foot runway before taking to the sky.

Fossett will attempt to fly 26,084 miles in approximately 80 hours. He will attempt to land at Kent International Airport, near London.

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