What a spectacular achievment that was by Scaled Composites and SpaceDev. A totally private space ship.
I can't see anyone beating them now to the X-Prize.
Burt Rutan is one hell of a guy. Paul Allen deserves a clap on the back as well, very few guys would be prepared to pump that kind of money into it and then stand back and watch without meddling.
*** EDIT ***
For those who haven't seen it link.
Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.
yes. I've been following this as well. Incredible. A great achievement.
The X-prize thing had a certain hobbyist feel to it at first for me but today's launch eliminates that completely. This is going to change things big time.
"You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter
How?Originally Posted by FillYourBrain
Okay, so it would prove that private space exploration is possible, and this may culminate in the launch of fully commerical "space tourism", but the materials required certainly aren't gonna get any cheaper.
Concorde was an achievement too. We (non-military peeps) still fly in inferior aircraft as a result.
>>> but the materials required certainly aren't gonna get any cheaper.
The important thing is that Rutan with Allens support, built a manned space program from scratch in 9 years, for less then the cost of one of NASA's basic design studies. He ended up with a working system, NASA would have ended up with some already out of date suggestions as to ways it might be pssible to spend more money on further studies.
It is as much a triumph for the approach to the job, as to the technology alone.
>>> This is going to change things big time.
The cynic in me worries that this might not be the case. The technology is there now, but I suspect the various regulatory authorities will be lining up to put a minefield of regulations and certification obstacles in the way. Effectively killing the "new industry" before it really gets going.
I suspect they will try to apply aircraft level standards. Effectively branding a new industry with 100 years of inappropriate rules and regulations.
If people are prepared to fly in these things knowing the risks, and they are not harming anyone else in the process - that should be their choice.
Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.
competitive forces are now involved. We no longer need politicians to throw money at a monolithic space program. There will be advancements at a faster rate and yes, a selfish capitalistic economy will drive the future accessablility of space for regular people. This is the stepping stone that we needed to move into the future. I do believe it changes a lot of things.
The real question is in your comments about regulation. I wonder if the role of NASA won't switch a little. Do you think they will become a regulatory force such as the FAA?
"You are stupid! You are stupid! Oh, and don't forget, you are STUPID!" - Dexter
>>> Do you think they will become a regulatory force such as the FAA?
I don't know who will be first, but I can guarantee there are some organisations around now like NASA and the FAA that will already be thinking about how much extra budget they can squeeze out of the US government to start a study on the requirements for such regulation.
Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.
i must be out of the loop.
link please?
some entropy with that sink? entropysink.com
there are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness. - franz kafka
*Now that I have read the articles*
...awesome...
why wasnt this more widely known by the public? I heard nothing about this anywhere until this thread popped up.
dude...I've read about this about a year and a half ago in popular science...and ever since I've heard it everywhere...I think we even talked about it here sometime ago
some entropy with that sink? entropysink.com
there are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness. - franz kafka
Honestly David, I'm surprised you haven't heard about this, considering Carmack's team will likely be one the next couple to do this.
-Govtcheez
[email protected]
some entropy with that sink? entropysink.com
there are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness. - franz kafka
>I've read about this about a year and a half ago in popular science
i dont read popular science...although i did just subscribe a few months ago to that newscientist.com weekly newsletter.
>and ever since I've heard it everywhere
if it isnt on the local news or the Today show on NBC, i probably didnt hear about it...as I dont regularly read internet news sites.
Pretty interesting.....it may not be a huge technological advance, but it is something very different. This guy could inspire many new people into the field who might, in turn, bring new ideas with them!
Do not make direct eye contact with me.
As for the regulation things, I'm sure everything relating to this will be regulated eventually, but I'd be a little surprised if it happened right away. The big difference between this and the FAA regulated other forms of manned flight is cost. Anyone can but together a workable "aircraft" with a parachute, chair, and a big fan, but the logistics for going into space are (obviously) more complicated. I think the fact that the X-Prize's deadline is only 6 months away and we've just had someone complete the first flight (of two) is evidence enough for that.
-Govtcheez
[email protected]
