SpaceShipOne and White Knight before dawn with auxiliary ground equipment attached. Photo by Mike Massee

Mike Melvill has his parachute strapped on as he prepares to enter the cockpit of SpaceShipOne. Photo by Mike Massee

Last Minute Adjustments. The spacecraft is loaded with a fresh engine and a full nitrous tank. Photo by Mike Massee

Crew and press surround the cockpit during last minute preparations. Photo by Mike Massee

Early morning preparation. Photo courtesy of Jim Campbell / Aero News Network

Early morning load-in. Photo courtesy of Jim Campbell / Aero News Network

Dawn in the Mojave Desert. Photo by Mike Massee

The Extra 300 chase plane taxis out at dawn before SpaceShipOne and White Knight. Photo by Don Logan