Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo crashed during its test flight, killing the co-pilot and injuring the pilot. Richard Branson has vowed to continue his quest to inaugurate space tourism.
Fifteen Federal US investigators have begun combing through the Mojave desert after Virgin Galactic’s Space Ship Two test flight ended in the death of a co-pilot. The craft crashed shortly after take-off. The pilot on board was also injured.
According to initial reports, Ground controllers lost contact with the SpaceShipTwo just after 10 am local time following the rocket ship’s release from the WhiteKnightTwo jet that carried it aloft.
Sources are suggesting, though it is not yet confirmed, that the cause of the crash can be found in the craft’s use of a hybrid propulsion system, nitrous oxide and plastic fuel, in contrast to the orthodox carbon-based fuels that have powered most rockets for decades.
Rocket engineers and safety experts, according to the Guardian, have been warning for at least a year about the potential instability of nitrous oxide.
Sir Richard Branson immediately made his way to Mojave desert and has released a heart-felt statement regarding the incident:
“I am writing this as we refuel on one of the most difficult trips I have ever had to make. I will be in Mojave soon to join the Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composite teams involved in the SpaceShipTwo flight test program. Mojave is also where I want to be – with the dedicated and hard-working people who are now in shock at this devastating loss.
Everyone at Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company and Scaled Composites is deeply saddened by today’s events. All our thoughts are with the families of everyone affected by this tragic event, and we are doing everything we can to support them.
We will cooperate fully with all the authorities involved in the investigation, and share more information when possible. For now, I want to reiterate our thanks to everyone from within the space community and beyond who has sent their overwhelming messages of love and support.“
However, he has voiced that he will “persevere” to conquer the final frontier.
Space is hard – but worth it. We will persevere and move forward together http://t.co/kJGG0NQTNf
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) November 1, 2014
Space experts, according to Skift, have supported him in his aspirations. While several have expressed sadness, many have claimed that they understand the risks that come with pushing the boundaries that have hampered the burgeoning commercial space travel industry.
“Let’s not be Chicken Littles here,” said Former NASA top space scientist Alan Stern. “The birth of aviation was also a very dangerous time period.”
Pictured: One of the first images of SpaceShipTwo. Image Source: ABC.
Though, Branson will not have long to correct the matter. More than 800 people have paid or put down deposits to fly aboard Virgin Galatic’s first set of flights, to the tune of (US) $250,000 a ticket.
