Someone accused SpaceX maybe trying to steal OSC's thunder. Looks like it may be Virgin Galactic instead: http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/some-virgin-galactic-action-in-mojave-today.htm QuoteSome Virgin Galactic action in Mojave todayby Clark Lindsey, Managing EditorI hear that some big event is happening at the WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo facility in Mojave today. Lots of commotion with lights and loading equipment and several fancy private jets and official Air Force planes sitting nearby. And all the fire and rescue vehicles are parked in front.
Some Virgin Galactic action in Mojave todayby Clark Lindsey, Managing EditorI hear that some big event is happening at the WhiteKnightTwo/SpaceShipTwo facility in Mojave today. Lots of commotion with lights and loading equipment and several fancy private jets and official Air Force planes sitting nearby. And all the fire and rescue vehicles are parked in front.
Rod Coppinger notes that an FAA flight permit granted to VG expires in a few weeks: http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/an-examination-of-spaceshiptwo-development-issues.htmlHe goes on to raise issues about the status of SS2 etc and VG's reluctance to discuss questions he raised. I think he may be reading a little too much into things at this point, but we'll know soon enough.
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/17/2013 07:58 amRod Coppinger notes that an FAA flight permit granted to VG expires in a few weeks: http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/an-examination-of-spaceshiptwo-development-issues.htmlHe goes on to raise issues about the status of SS2 etc and VG's reluctance to discuss questions he raised. I think he may be reading a little too much into things at this point, but we'll know soon enough.Coppinger has been very aggressive in his journalism w.r.t. VG. Some (VG's Whitesides, for example) might feel he was being a jerk. Granted, PR and handling people accusing them of hiding dark secrets might be what their job requires, but I wouldn't read too much into VG not being willing to dish to him. He, on the other hand, has always read conspiracy into their unwillingness to talk.
If he doesn't get answers, he makes up stuff.
Quote from: yg1968 on 04/18/2013 03:18 amIf he doesn't get answers, he makes up stuff. So, like posts on here?
Say, did I tell you I have a Staged Combustion Metholox engine under development in my back shed? It's made out of LEGO and unobtanium, and it has an awesome ISP.
Parabolic Arc reports rumours that the first SS2 powered flight will be this month:Quote from: Doug MessierThe rumor mill in Mojave has it that we will be seeing the first powered test flight of Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo by the end of this month. One specific date that has been rumored is April 22, which would have marked the 69th birthday of the late businessman and adventurer Steve Fossett. [...]Doug is usually well informed about events in Mojave.
The rumor mill in Mojave has it that we will be seeing the first powered test flight of Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo by the end of this month. One specific date that has been rumored is April 22, which would have marked the 69th birthday of the late businessman and adventurer Steve Fossett. [...]
Jeff Foust@jeff_foustFAA associate administrator George Nield: Virgin Galactic is "very, very close" to their first powered SpaceShipTwo flight.
QuoteJeff Foust@jeff_foustFAA associate administrator George Nield: Virgin Galactic is "very, very close" to their first powered SpaceShipTwo flight.
[Question] That’s your Virgin Galactic project. What’s ahead for that?[Branson's Answer:] We’re hoping to break the sound barrier. That’s planned Monday. It will be a historic day. This is going to be Virgin Galactic’s year. We’ll break the sound barrier Monday and from there, we build up through the rest of the year, finally going into space near the end of the year. I’ll be on the first official flight, which we look to have in the first quarter of next year. We’re doing a number of test flights into space first.
