2004-06-21 16:48:08.920987+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments
First private manned spaceflight successful. The folks at Scaled Composites have sent pilot Mike Melvill to 60+ miles and brought him back safely in their first test. Now they have to do it twice within two weeks to win the X Prize.
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comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-21 19:21:51.75475+00 by: Shawn
For those who are curious, this Wikipedia entry states that 50 miles is generally considered the line in the sand for the U.S., but that 100 km (~62 miles) is also a commonly used metric.
It would seem to me that 75 miles might have been a more meaningful bar, as that's where "atmospheric effects become noticeable during re-entry".
Nonetheless, a hearty HUZZAH! for all involved.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-21 22:30:22.952569+00 by: petronius
Is this the End.....of the Beginning?
#Comment It sure is. made: 2004-06-23 15:50:41.765049+00 by: baylink
Note, though, that all the news coverage seems to think that's 'Melvill'.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-23 17:49:25.647125+00 by: Dan Lyke
As does the Scaled Composites press release. Ya know all of those times I give "journalists" crap about not being able to cut and paste from press releases competently?
/me hangs his head in shame.