Virgin Galactic returns to Spaceport America for exercises

In this Oct. 17, 2011, file photo, the new Spaceport America futuristic hangar backdrops the spacecraft White Knight Two in Upham, N.M. A team of pilots, ground crew and mission control specialists are at the spaceport for a week of air and …more

It was nothing but clear, blue skies as the sleek, jet-powered plane approached the runway at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico, only to briefly touch down and then thrust off again.