This has been a bad week in the world of space exploration. Only three days after Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares rocket launch was aborted on takeoff, we are receiving news that Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo has crashed during today’s test flight over the Mojave desert.
The anomaly occurred when the spacecraft ignited its rocket engine after separating from its WhiteKnightTwo carrier. It had been over nine months since the engines had been fired in flight.
“The WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft landed safely,” Virgin Galactic said in a statement. “Our first concern is the status of the pilots, which is unknown at this time.” The spacecraft’s two pilots were equipped with parachutes during the test flight and, according to Kern County Sheriff’s Department, both parachutes had been deployed.
BREAKING: California Highway Patrol reports 1 fatality, 1 major injury after SpaceShipTwo accident. — The Associated Press (@AP) October 31, 2014
BREAKING: Witness reports SpaceShipTwo exploded in flight after ignition of rocket, crashed in desert. — The Associated Press (@AP) October 31, 2014
Virgin Galactic posted the following on Twitter:
“Virgin Galactic’s partner Scaled Composites conducted a powered test flight of #SpaceShipTwo earlier today. During the test, the vehicle suffered a serious anomaly resulting in the loss of SpaceShipTwo. [WhiteKnightTwo] landed safely. Our first concern is the status of the pilots, which is unknown at this time. We will work closely with relevant authorities to determine the cause of this accident and provide updates ASAP.”
Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic has become a forerunner for private spaceflight. Over 700 individuals have already paid $250,000 for the opportunity to visit outer space.
A press conference is scheduled for 4 p.m. (CST).
