KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After landing the Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, pilot Steve Fossett is greeted by Center Director James Kennedy (center) and Executive Director of Florida Space Authority Winston Scott. At far right is Jim Ball, KSC Spaceport Development manager. The aircraft is being relocated from Salina, Kan., to the Shuttle Landing Facility to begin preparations for an attempt to set a new world record for the longest flight made by any aircraft. An exact takeoff date for the record-setting flight has not been determined and is contingent on weather and jet-stream conditions. The window for the attempt opens in mid-January, making the flight possible anytime between then and the end of February. NASA agreed to let Virgin Atlantic Airways use Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility as a takeoff site. The facility use is part of a pilot program to expand runway access for non-NASA activities. KSC-06pd0043
