Branson insists he will fly this year
In an interview for USA Today Richard Branson once again repeated his expectation that he will fly in space on SpaceShipTwo before the end of the year.
It sounds like they plan three test flights with their new engine, followed by Branson’s public relations stunt. Even if this plan happens, however, I do not see them ready to fly paying passengers, as they will probably need more test flights to make sure the ship and its engine are truly trustworthy.
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In an interview for USA Today Richard Branson once again repeated his expectation that he will fly in space on SpaceShipTwo before the end of the year.
It sounds like they plan three test flights with their new engine, followed by Branson’s public relations stunt. Even if this plan happens, however, I do not see them ready to fly paying passengers, as they will probably need more test flights to make sure the ship and its engine are truly trustworthy.
Readers!
Please consider supporting my work here at Behind the Black. Your support allows me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Only now does it appear that Washington might finally recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are four ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation or subscription:
4. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
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Cortaro, AZ 85652
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above.
Agree. Branson has done some ballsy things in his time in sailboats and balloons so being an honorary test pilot at this point in his career is hardy out of character. But I think his paying celebrity customers will want to see a bit more track record before they present their tickets and board SS2. Even if the new nylon fuel grain proves usable and gets the SS2 to the Von Karman line with a full load, I don’t see regular commercial service starting until at least mid-2015.
Although Virgin Galactic denies it, my sources say they need to meet a Dec. 31 deadline for flying Branson into space. That milestone is stipulated in the agreement with aabar investments, which has funded most of the program. Othewise, there are clawbacks and they possibility aabar will stop providing funding for Virgin Galactic. That would be very bad.
There’s a problem in that once Virigin Galactic obtains a launch license, the experimental permit lapses. They’re trying to get a measure through Congress to change that aspect of the law, but that august body can’t get even get important legislation approved. With the upcoming mid-terms, it seems unlikely they will vote by the end of the year. Then there’s a new Congress in January, and the process starts all over again.
So, the scenario you mention is possible. Branson goes up on a test flight out of New Mexico, but Virgin continues to do flight testing into 2015 to prove out the engine before putting any paying customers aboard. Launching commercial service based on three flight tests of the new engine and Branson’s flight is not a wise thing to do.
Oh, I think it’s even money that just Branson goes up on the flight. Holly has already dropped out due to pregnancy. And I’m guessing they’ll find a reason not to take Sam along, particularly if its a flight test.