It'll be a good photo op if nothing else. :)

Might be "EDT," but maybe?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aiming to stack ship on booster today <a href="https://t.co/67ehWTI57v">pic.twitter.com/67ehWTI57v</a></p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1423353739394514949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Current plan for SpaceX seems to be something like this:<br>- Stack Ship 20 on Booster 4 for a fit check<br>- Destack the vehicles<br>- Uninstall Raptors<br>- Proof testing of both vehicles<br>- Begin Raptor reinstallation<br>- Static fire campaign for both vehicles<br>- Stack again<br>- Launch</p>— Michael Baylor (@nextspaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1423300344080072708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They stacked them this morning sometime, looks like a big ****ing rocket to me.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">History has been made. The world’s tallest rocket… ever �� <a href="https://t.co/FZKNbWewZg">pic.twitter.com/FZKNbWewZg</a></p>&mdash; Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut/status/1423630041984999425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That is, indeed, a big ass rocket. I wish we had a F9 beside it to compare.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first ever full stack of Starship Super Heavy. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASASpaceflight</a> <a href="https://t.co/zwdcLpErSn">pic.twitter.com/zwdcLpErSn</a></p>&mdash; Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/thejackbeyer/status/1423640482081656836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Those aerial work platforms are kinda nuts too. Could you imagine being on one of those extended that high? I bet that thing sways like a mofo.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/T6r96fqlPG">pic.twitter.com/T6r96fqlPG</a></p>— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1423830326665650179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SA8ZBJWo73E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Starliner had issues with 13 valves, not just the one they initially reported. They've been able to "coax" open 7 of them so far. This seems like a much larger, systemic problem than just a couple valves failing to open. Their latest update does not engender confidence.


https://starlinerupdates.com/boeing-...tion-facility/

(sigh)

So bizarre. What in the world happens to have them just get stuck like that? I hope it's an easy explanation. You wouldn't think you'd still be having issues like this after all of this time.

With that many valves, I can only imagine there is a manufacturer's defect in the valves or the valve controls. (yay for a distributed jobs program vs vertically integrated system) I hope that root cause doesn't end up pointing at another dozen valves that operate after launch being a problem too. That could end up as severe as the software issues and end up requiring a significant hardware review that delays Starliner another year. :(

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So cool...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We spy with our little eye... a rover! ��<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> spotted <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> during its 11th flight. You can see Ingenuity’s foot to the left, its shadow at the bottom center, &amp; if you look up &amp; slightly to the right, you’ll see our robotic scientist. <a href="https://t.co/6GT4JkiJsg">https://t.co/6GT4JkiJsg</a> <a href="https://t.co/gRUWWi4DEi">pic.twitter.com/gRUWWi4DEi</a></p>&mdash; NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1425520773129596930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

lol


Where's Percy?

I think I'm done with hoping BO turms things around and succeeds. Plenty of other potential competitors outside the likes of Boeing, ULA, LM, and BO.


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">16 flights is extremely unlikely. Starship payload to orbit is ~150 tons , so max of 8 to fill 1200 ton tanks of lunar Starship.<br><br>Without flaps &amp; heat shield, Starship is much lighter. Lunar landing legs don’t add much (1/6 gravity). May only need 1/2 full, ie 4 tanker flights.</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1425473261551423489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Yeah, I've tried really hard to be "Team Space," but BO's tantrums and general approach of being obstructive rather than constructive have really turned me off.

I'm still generally a fan of ULA (Tory Bruno is great at least). LM is great at satellites - just not launchers. Boeing is...a mess it seems.

But yeah, beyond those, I'm much more excited to see what the plethora of startups can come up with.

Mostly agree. I like Bruno, but I still can't get over the birth of ULA. It's the "punishment" for the criminal activity of too big too fail corporations. It's just a reminder of the corruption at the top for me. If Shelby and Bezos had a baby, it'd be named ULA.


/rant off

**** Bezos. :(


<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take our deal or we sue. That’s the offer on the table now from Blue Origin? Remarkable. <a href="https://t.co/AzshsZB5GV">https://t.co/AzshsZB5GV</a></p>&mdash; Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1425623692323835905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

LMAO

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If lobbying &amp; lawyers could get u to orbit, Bezos would be on Pluto rn</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1425639813416427526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

lol
Sooner or later, you gotta think NASA is going to start publicly responding. I have to imagine some of their engineers are cringing at the thought of having to work with BO.

(sigh)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Expecting some not great news on Starliner&#39;s OFT-2 mission, possibly as soon as this afternoon. It won&#39;t launch this month.</p>&mdash; Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1425907925500014597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ouch. I'm guessing it gets pushed to 2022 at this point.

Yep.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As I noted earlier, Starliner is not launching this month. It may not launch in 2021. <a href="https://t.co/hef7q9NaFS">https://t.co/hef7q9NaFS</a></p>— Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1425960899488137220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://starlinerupdates.com/

Makes me think of that Big Bang Theory episode where can't turn a lugnut.

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<iframe width="1110" height="624" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kz165f1g8-E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'm more interested to see this converted to space based manufacturing. Lot of 3D printing already in "new space". SpaceX has been 3D printing parts for Falcon and Rocket Lab 3D prints its Rutherford engines on Electron. 3D printing the rocket body is new (and still seems a bit insane but cool), but with what SpaceX has done with Starship and sheet metal construction in the last year I'm not sure if 3D printing provides much in the way of cheaper/faster anymore.

I'm still rooting for Relativity though. They and Rocket Lab are my two favorites for surviving the swell of small launch startups. I just think they need to diversify a bit like SpaceX and RocketLab have done. With all these launch service startups beginning to finally come on line, it will be a race to the bottom profit wise. I'd like to see Relativity take their 3D printing expertise and use it in space for building infrastructure. A small POC to build a sealed container with ports to alllow sensors and pressurize would be cool. Or even cooler, do it on the moon using regolith! :D

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;ve determined <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Starliner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Starliner</a> will return to our factory for deeper-level troubleshooting of four propulsion system valves. With <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>, we&#39;ve decided to stand down for this launch window to make way for other national priority missions.<br><br>More: <a href="https://t.co/oycWeRz156">https://t.co/oycWeRz156</a> <a href="https://t.co/UzCZN66451">pic.twitter.com/UzCZN66451</a></p>&mdash; Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoeingSpace/status/1426218670779420678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

2022, here we come!
:(

I assume that they gave the sticky valves a good whack with a wrench?

I'll be really curious what level of detail comes out of the press conference. I really want to know how a majority of the valves suddenly get stuck on the pad right before launch...

Let's not forget though...

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Sure, there's no question that shit happens. You would just expect that they would have worked out when issues with valves were part of the problem last time.

Oh, I didn't know that valves were an issue before. I thought it was buggy code.

Buggy code... related to the valves.

And don't forget, that was a previously flown test unit.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2021...-issue-solved/

...

According to Vollmer, some of the NTO leaked through seals on the valves. Such leaks are well understood from a physics standpoint, Vollmer said. But then this oxidizer combined with some unanticipated ambient moisture in the cavity around the valve, and this resulted in corrosion that prevented the valves from opening properly.
...


No way they launch until 2022 now.

Good lord. Can we just shut the place down? :shake:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">News – Jeff Bezos&#39; Blue Origin filed a sealed complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against NASA this morning, continuing the company&#39;s fight that the agency wrongly awarded the lucrative HLS lunar lander contract to SpaceX, despite the GAO ruling: <a href="https://t.co/QHG6z8zkD2">https://t.co/QHG6z8zkD2</a></p>&mdash; Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1427284095042793480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ugh


There should be penalties for this kind of frivolous legal activity.

There probably will be, but it's not like money is the issue when it comes to Bezos.

I was thinking more along the lines of debarment...

https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulatio...rment-division

This is the argument from BO? Really?

Blue Origin last week released an infographic that added that Starship is “a launch vehicle that has never flown to orbit and is still being designed.”

I thought those infographics were more just trying to throw shade at SpaceX more than trying to further their complaint about HLS. Regardless it is all just a rich toddler throwing a tantrum.

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This will further inflame internal tensions at Blue Origin, which are rising. Many employees are super disappointed in this tactic. It will also make other commercial space companies wary of partnering, and make it super difficult to win any federal contracts in the future.</p>&mdash; Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1427287281371697152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Right, but it's a pretty crappy argument for why BO should be included (if it is) since BO hasn't even achieved orbit and SpaceX has how many times now?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a &quot;voluntary stay of performance&quot; that the court filing says &quot;shall expire on 11/1/2021.&quot; Oral arguments are set for 10/14/2021. So at longest the stop work would last a couple of months.</p>&mdash; Christian Davenport (@wapodavenport) <a href="https://twitter.com/wapodavenport/status/1428444049602760705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It's kind of funny (and horrifying) to think what the space landscape would look like if BO had their way. Recall that they tried to argue that they had a patent on using a ship in the water as a landing platform. If they had won that argument, SpaceX might never have been able to figure out reusability. :shake:

Now they're trying to delay the moon work when there's not even a solution (not like NASA can suddenly come up with more money). At least it should only last a couple of months.

Ugh.
**** Bezos. I'm glad NASA was able to cut SpaceX a milestone check the day the GAO protest was rejected. SpaceX will continue working on SS anyway.

Will BO sue SpaceX as they continue work on SS, since it can be represented as development on HLS?

I suppose it's remotely possible that they could try and keep SpaceX from spending NASA money on it, but it seems crazy unlikely they could make them stop work entirely since the overall goal is Mars.

SpaceX has been working on SS for years. HLS is just a side project. Bezos would be laughed out of court. It's worth noting that SpaceX is not an interested party in this case, the court has zero jurisdiction over anything not HLS. It's also worth noting that this is a "voluntary" stay by NASA, not a court order.

SpaceX also has multiple other contracts with NASA, including the development and testing of on-oribit fuel transfer. SpaceX has so many other things going on right now to get SS moving, that this will likely have zero impact on their part of HLS. It will however make great headlines for NASA to say "we were delayed by frivolous lawsuits" when Artmis doesn't launch in '24.

It would also be funny as shit if SS has made orbit before the hearing. :D

The money they got from NASA was for milestones achieved already. They may get another check on November 1 for more milestones achieved. lol

This makes sense...

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NASA statement on the “stay of work” for the Human Landing System. <a href="https://t.co/7YtIf8n3nx">pic.twitter.com/7YtIf8n3nx</a></p>&mdash; Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1428488786523181056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Possibly the most surprising thing (for me anyway), is the complete silence from Elon. It feels like he goaded BO into this with his Twitter trolling, and is now sitting back and watching.

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T-1:00

Gonna be hard for me to give any shits about what BO is up to until they stop emulating the shape of their rocket.

Emulating the shape of their rocket?

Pretty funny that the cargo in the capsule are "lunar landing material" or whatever she said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sorry, folks.<a href="https://t.co/jInOzc0ZUr">https://t.co/jInOzc0ZUr</a></p>&mdash; Futurism (@futurism) <a href="https://twitter.com/futurism/status/1430897620386422794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That thing wobbles. The whole landing looks precarious.

Oh...

LMAO

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The Dragon separation with the sunrise coming over the Earth was spectacular!

Astra had another attempt yesterday, but it failed in amusing fashion.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reviewing flight data and video, two things are very clear - 1) An engine shut down right after launch 2) Everything that happened next made me incredibly proud of our team. Space may be hard, but like this rocket, we are not giving up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdAstra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdAstra</a> <a href="https://t.co/2g3n812EaW">pic.twitter.com/2g3n812EaW</a></p>— Chris Kemp (@Kemp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kemp/status/1431812555324854272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Remarkably, it managed to right itself and actually made it through part of the mission, but they triggered the FTS system once it was unrecoverable.

Still more exciting than a flying penis launch though.

LMAO

That was impressive!

Starting to get excited about the Inspiration4 mission coming up. Apparently Netflix is doing a series of shows leading up to it:

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I have to say, though...the "pucker factor" will be crazy high for that launch (and landing). Can you imagine the fallout if anything went wrong with an all-civilian mission like that?

This is some goofy ad for Oakley, but that capsule looks awfully familiar...


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Landing 9.9 ⏰ <a href="https://twitter.com/oakley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@oakley</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pxy2hZMHBj">pic.twitter.com/Pxy2hZMHBj</a></p>&mdash; Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1433140270304989185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Really looking forward to this one...
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Wow. Views from the Dragon cupola are going to be amazing.
<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A look at Dragon’s Cupola, which will provide our Inspiration4 astronauts with incredible views of Earth from orbit!<br> <br>The crew visited the flight-hardware Cupola in California before it was shipped to Florida for integration with Dragon Resilience. <a href="https://t.co/9ivMZrS1ip">pic.twitter.com/9ivMZrS1ip</a></p>&mdash; Inspiration4 (@inspiration4x) <a href="https://twitter.com/inspiration4x/status/1433192632457564160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

I had no clue this was a thing...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Inspiration4 giving its crew an awe-inspiring view.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inspiration4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Inspiration4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElonMusk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElonMusk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrewDragon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrewDragon</a> <a href="https://t.co/3tNDHM31VI">pic.twitter.com/3tNDHM31VI</a></p>&mdash; Dale Rutherford (@Dtrford) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dtrford/status/1390706279035904000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kinda puts into perspective the differences between Dragon/F9 and New Shepard.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> The FAA is grounding space flights by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VirginGalactic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VirginGalactic</a> while it looks into why Richard Branson&#39;s July 11 voyage deviated from its planned trajectory <a href="https://t.co/JJXdHfTp50">https://t.co/JJXdHfTp50</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/LucieAbrg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucieAbrg</a> <a href="https://t.co/RSFJmAAkY4">pic.twitter.com/RSFJmAAkY4</a></p>&mdash; AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1433496090129621009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday said it was grounding space flights by Virgin Galactic while it investigates why the company's July 11 voyage carrying Richard Branson deviated from its planned trajectory.

The move represents a blow to the private space company as it prepares to carry paying customers following its first fully-crewed test flight.

It is now unclear whether Virgin's next test flight, involving members of the Italian Air Force, will take place as scheduled in late September or early October.
- ADVERTISEMENT -

"The FAA is overseeing the Virgin Galactic investigation of its July 11 SpaceShipTwo mishap that occurred over Spaceport America, New Mexico," the agency said in a short statement.

"Virgin Galactic may not return the SpaceShipTwo vehicle to flight until the FAA approves the final mishap investigation report or determines the issues related to the mishap do not affect public safety," it added.

The news came after a report by the New Yorker said the flight experienced cockpit warnings about its rocket-powered ascent that could have jeopardized the mission.

The article, by investigative journalist Nicholas Schmidle, said the pilots encountered first a yellow then a red light, indicating the spaceplane's climb was too shallow and the nose was insufficiently vertical.

Without corrective action, the vessel would not have had enough energy to glide back to its runway.

"According to multiple sources in the company, the safest way to respond to the warning would have been to abort," Schmidle wrote -- though Virgin has disputed this.

Aborting would have dashed flamboyant billionaire Branson's hopes of beating rival Jeff Bezos, whose own flight to space was scheduled a few days later.

The pilots did not abort and instead attempted to correct for the trajectory problem, now flying at Mach 3 with a red light on.

The vessel went on to reach 85 kilometers (52 miles) in altitude -- above the US definition of space -- and landed safely, but data retrieved from FlightRadar24 showed it had flown outside its designated path.

- 'Misleading' -

"Whether or not (the pilots') decision was motivated by programmatic pressures and the hopes of their billionaire bankroller sitting in the back remains unclear," wrote Schmidle.

Virgin Galactic told AFP it disputed the "misleading characterizations and conclusions in the New Yorker article."

"When the vehicle encountered high altitude winds which changed the trajectory, the pilots and systems monitored the trajectory to ensure it remained within mission parameters," it said in a statement.

"Our pilots responded appropriately to these changing flight conditions exactly as they have been trained and in strict accordance with our established procedures."

The company acknowledged the flight had diverged from the initial plan, but characterized the deviation as a short period of one minute and 43 seconds when it flew below its prescribed altitude, rather than a change in the areas it flew over.

"At no time did the ship travel above any population centers or cause a hazard to the public."

Virgin Galactic has had close calls and accidents in the past -- most notably in 2014 when a crash killed one pilot and injured another.

Schmidle also wrote that key personnel who were critical of the company's safety culture had resigned or been sacked.

Well, that sounds a bit sketchy.

That all sounds like a system that worked to perfection. Sketchy indeed. Maybe it's about why it was triggered to begin with. Math probably.

More likely: bacteria on Mars or an "investigative journalist" that does more leg work than the contacts on their phone?...

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Webcast is live with launch attempt in an hour!

And I'm immediately reminded why I hate "space fan" live streams. :(

I'll watch the replay.