Tragedy in the new space race

LARRY GODDEN — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 02:19:20 GMT

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SADNESS IN ANY NEW ADVENTURE. GOD SPEED THESE AND THE INJURED ONES

Tragedy in the new space race

Alan Boyle — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 02:20:02 GMT

If you feel this is appropriate, please use this comments section as a condolence book - or as a place where you can point to Web condolences.

Tragedy in the new space race

Jan Nickman, Grand Junction CO — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:05:05 GMT

I think Peter Diamandis needs to refine his remarks and restate them.
My heart goes out to all those close to these fallen or injured Rocketeers.

Tragedy in the new space race

Becky Neiman — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:23:58 GMT

Tragedy in the new space race

michael addicott — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:43:50 GMT

We should keep in mind that the first push into space was far from accident free and resulted partially from innovations that were forged out of necessity in the crucible of war. Advances don't come without cost.

Tragedy in the new space race

Richard W. DeVaul Ph.D., Somerville, MA. — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:45:36 GMT

In every great adventure there are risks. If there were not courageous people to take those risks our dreams would go unrealized and our horizons would be much smaller.

This accident is a genuine tragedy, but to focus only on the tragedy is to minimize the contributions of these men and the others like them. They worked diligently in the service of a dream, and took risks because they knew that the rewards were greater. We should celebrate their achievements as well as mourn our loss.

They would not have wanted us to stop. We must continue to reach for the stars. To do less would dishonor their lives and contributions.

Tragedy in the new space race

Granger Whitelaw — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:46:26 GMT

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those lost in this tragic accident. They were brave, visionary men and their souls will rest beside others that have gone before them in the pursuit of expanding our boundries for mankind.

From all of us,

Granger Whitelaw
CEO
Rocket Racing League

"It is easy to go nowhere. It requires no energy and has no risk except that of being left behind. To go forward and run ahead is a supreme test."

Tragedy in the new space race

Tom Hammerschmidt, Loveland, Colorado — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:54:43 GMT

To all of those who have given so much, pushing technology and machines to new heights, new depths and new speeds. We owe you a debt of gratitiude and thanks. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, coworkers and loved ones of this new tragedy. It is my hope that this will not end experimentation and the desire to see privatization of space and space travel.

Tragedy in the new space race

Jen Knutson, WA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:12:22 GMT

Thank you, everyone, for your condolences. I am the step-sister of Todd Ivens. Todd absolutely loved his job and was living his dream too. Our parents are devastated by this tragedy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Tragedy in the new space race

Erik, Carlsbad, CA. — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:20:15 GMT

I grew up in Mojave and have seen development at the airport for some time. This is the first time I have heard of a such a terrible accident there. God bless the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and best of luck to Scaled in figuring out and correcting the unfortunate problem.

Tragedy in the new space race

Author Chris Eldridge, Harrisburg PA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 05:28:28 GMT

As a Native American prayer asks, "are you living for that which you would die?"

Too often people get caught up in doing work that really isn't their calling. In life we must follow our hearts and gut feelings to guide us to work that we were meant to do. In regard to our species and indeed our very survival, not much quite compares to the ability of man to reach and eventually colonize space. Becoming a two-planet species is a stated goal of people like Stephen Hawking and most if not all of these people involved in this new private sector space race. It literally is our species calling as it is one of the few ways to ensure that our species survives the periodic 64-million-year extinction events that we are now overdue for as our solar system crosses the chaotic mid-plane of the galaxy. Without a space program, few species can survive the eventual doomsday event from the sky. Becoming self-sufficient on a very local level with little if any need to travel to work or for food is about the only other alternative.

Tragedy in the new space race

Nadine Barrera, Bakersfield, CA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 05:46:48 GMT

I don't have the words to express the sorrow I feel for the families and friends who lost their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them all, especially my former co-worker, Kim Freer Blackwell and her family.

Tragedy in the new space race

Benjamin De Mers — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 05:57:40 GMT

While I am saddened to hear that these fine men in pursuit of such things that make for a freer mankind, I am joyful that Scaled seems to be turning this tragedy into momentum to accomplish what must be accomplished for the everyday man.

Space is the right of every man, woman and child on this planet as well as all the information that it contains about who we are and where we are from. If Scaled does not achieve what it is trying to achieve then space exploration will forever be in the hands of a few who may or may not decide that it is in our best interest to know what it is that they find when exploring it.

Tragedy in the new space race

Dan Reale — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:46:43 GMT

Godspeed.

Tragedy in the new space race

mysterycitizen, earth, milky way — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 07:52:35 GMT

"Our hearts fly on wings they gave their life to"

Tragedy in the new space race

Rich Kerr — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 09:17:51 GMT

Werner VonBraun once said "Research is what I am doing when I don't know what i am doing..." When advances are made, it is because the researchers are operating on the ragged edge of existing knowledge. I salute those who are willing to take the risks to further our limits of knowledge. Many have been injured or died over the years in this type of endevour, but they did not sacrifice in vain. With out them we would not have many of the technological advances we have today (and unfortunatly often take for granted). I offer my greatest admiration, prayers, and thanks to those who gave their lives in pursuit of some thing they firmly believed in, a belief so strong they lived and died for it.

May God bless and comfort their famlies, co-workers, and friends in this hour of tradgedy.

Tragedy in the new space race

W Oliver — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:46:05 GMT

Dreams are what give us the reason to succeed without them we perish. I have followed the space programs all of my life and admire the people who have the courage to follow their dreams. Our prayers go out to these families in this time of loss.

Tragedy in the new space race

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 11:50:17 GMT

There are a number of news areas I follow regularly but don&#8217;t comment on, and space flight is one of them. Nonetheless as both a science fiction fan, and an advocate of sound science, I have been very excited to see the development of the privat..

Tragedy in the new space race

David "Randy" Dixon — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:28:11 GMT

Glen May was my best friend. We grew up together and stayed in contact. Glen never gave up on his dreams and neither should we. I think it all started with a G.I. Joe space capsule, and from then on his race was on. Glen's heart was pure and his mind full of adventure. I will miss him.

Blue Skies Forever

Tragedy in the new space race

Ken Smith, Disputanta, VA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:41:20 GMT

In their own way, they have helped others "Reach out and touch the face of God."

Tragedy in the new space race

jim boatman tehachapi, ca. — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:13:19 GMT

may God be with the family in there suffering
Romans 10:13
jim boatman

Tragedy in the new space race

Doug Gard, Atlantic, Iowa — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:28:47 GMT

They died in pursuit of a (perhaps there own as well) dream . . . to expand humanities reach outward into the heavens. A sudden, tragic and untimely passing. They were part of something larger than life, something few of us will ever have an opportunity to achieve.
Amen. And Godspeed

Tragedy in the new space race

Christopher Rodney - Nashua, NH — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:32:38 GMT

We have lost some of the last great heroes in America.

Tragedy in the new space race

Everett Ofori — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 14:17:56 GMT

This tragedy will not stop the drive towards space travel but it is important for all of us to pause and reflect on the brave men and women who work behind the scenes to make some of humankind's cherished dreams come true. My heart goes out to the families of these pioneering souls.

Tragedy in the new space race

Richard Moresby — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 14:49:41 GMT

It is sad when men (and women) give their lives, but it is more sad when given for less than noble cause. Humanity's push to space is truely noble. Let their famiilies take comfort in that their lives were lost during an undertaking that represents the best of mankind. God bless, Amen.

Tragedy in the new space race

Rob, Castro Valley, CA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:39:06 GMT

May SpaceShipTwo exceed SpaceShipOne's expectations handily in the continued effort to send more people into space.

Tragedy in the new space race

R. K. Tallon, Bakersfield, CA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:06:27 GMT

No matter what we do or how we speed, we are all "returned" to the stars eventually. The brave will book no argument against reaching for the heavens. It's a journey home.

Tragedy in the new space race

A lover of flight and flying machines, Colorado — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:34:15 GMT

Up, Up, the long delirious burning blue,
I've touched the windswept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark nor even eagle flew,
and while with silent lifting mind I've trod
the untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Spitfire Fighter Pilot, Battle of Britain, two weeks before his death in combat.
Also dedicated to the two pilots and their Mustangs at the EAA AirVenture yesterday in Wisconsin.

Tragedy in the new space race

Alan Boyle — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:34:24 GMT

As in past cases where the focus has turned to condolences, I'm going to refrain from approving messages that stray from that focus - for example, criticism of others or questions about the accident investigation. In some cases I may edit posts that express heartfelt thoughts but perhaps stray from the point at hand. I'm sure there will be plenty of time in the days and months ahead for criticism and questioning. Also, I hope you don't miss the statement from the Personal Spaceflight Federation posted above.

Tragedy in the new space race

Davie, FL — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 20:54:57 GMT

Tragedy in the new space race

Tom Nichols, Nampa, Idaho — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:34:57 GMT

We have been blessed for our son to work at Scaled.
We have heavy hearts for those who were killed and injured.....it could have easily been our son as one of the victims. God bless those who must grieve this tragic loss of their loved ones.

Tragedy in the new space race

Len, Raleigh NC — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:48:40 GMT

My condolences to the families.

Once again I'm forced to wonder why people today expect space flight, as complicated as it is, to be safer than the early days of aviation?

Tragedy in the new space race

Vicky James, San Diego, CA — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:38:44 GMT

It's sad to hear of these kinds of tragedies, and my heart goes out to the families and the injured co-workers... may they recover from their injuries and continue their brave quests into the unknown.

Every new development in space technology has it's risks, and I'm sure these brave men knew what the potential for such a disaster was. But they took those risks, and they gave their all for something many of us would never consider entering into, and their families should be proud of the way they lived their lives. God speed.

Tragedy in the new space race

Robert G. Oler, Houston, TX — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:01:43 GMT

Steely eyed missile men. God speed.

Robert

Tragedy in the new space race

Greg, Las Vegas,NV — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:17:40 GMT

;^( We will continue on this adventure though because of their inspiration and bravery to tackle the unknown! My condolences to all involved. - Greg

Tragedy in the new space race

Steve — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 01:01:37 GMT

It's people like those that advance just more than space fight. Countless medical devices, safety devices and other by products of their work are a benefit to the world. Imagine how far back we would be in knowledge if not for people willing to take risks to create something everyone can use. There's a learning curve to everything. It's just a shame that it takes an accident for us to learn. At least they were doing what they loved. I hope they will be remembered well just like others that have given their lives in pursuit of knowledge that helps us all.

Tragedy in the new space race

Mark Rocket, Virgin Galactic Founder from New Zealand — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:35:14 GMT

They are visionary heroes of the private space revolution.

My sincere condolences to the families.

Tragedy in the new space race

JC, Fairbanks, AK — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:16:18 GMT

Human spaceflight will never make progress without the commitment, and, yes, *risk-taking*, by people like Mr.s May, Blackwell and Ivens. It will probably always be inherently dangerous and we (Earthlings) will almost surely lose more men and women in that pursuit, "going to space, in ships".

My sympathies and thoughts go out to all the families and friends of these brave men, and I hope they can take some comfort in the fact that theirs were engaged in something they must have loved being part of: the Grand Adventure.

I hope, if the MERs survive the dust storm that's going on, that their operators will consider naming some features on Mars in their memory....

Tragedy in the new space race

Des Emery, St. Thomas, ON, Canada — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 05:05:06 GMT

Alan -- Your opening comment says it well, "They all knew it would happen someday..." But they weighed the risks and tried so hard to open the doors of space for the rest of us. We must not fail them nor deny their dreams.

May their souls rest now in peace and the mercy of God.

Tragedy in the new space race

jeeten,port Louis,Mauritius — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 10:52:12 GMT

all expeditions in the unknown carry risks.
The deeper you go in the unknown,the bigger the risks and the bigger the rewards.
Explorers are the first to bear the brunt of the risks,and these people were technological explorers.

Tragedy in the new space race

Roaitars, Bucharest, Romania — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:12:37 GMT

It's tragic, but revolutions don't come easy or cheap. However, being cynical will not help: human safety must come first, and all that is possible must be done so that the risks are minimal. We must not stop because of the fear that something bad could happen, just be smart enough to minimize the harm.

Tragedy in the new space race

Roaitars, Bucharest, Romania — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:13:35 GMT

And good luck to all those involved in the space adventure.

Tragedy in the new space race

Peter Thorpe Asheville, NC — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:24:38 GMT

I think it is fair to say that everyone in the NewSpace movement would die happy if they died trying to open the space frontier. The Space Frontier Foundation has a nice tribute at:

http://www.space-frontier.org/PressReleases/
2007/20070727scaledcomposites.html

Tragedy in the new space race

Bilal Mujahid, Homewood, Illinois — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:15:40 GMT

Your sacrifice will not go un-remembered by History. One day my grandchildren will pickup a book about the history of spaceflight, and I can see your names mentioned in the chapter describing the dawn of the Space Renaissance. Please God, give comfort to the families in their loss and grant them the Best Fortune.

Tragedy in the new space race

Jeremy Moseley, Bagdad, AZ — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:11:55 GMT

Through their sacrifice and blood they have ensured that others will succeed. The "New Space Race" as it is being called is the greatest revolution of ideas and technology since the industrial revolution. It is men like these that will deliver mankind to the stars. May God and the stars welcome them and show them all the wonders of the universe.

Tragedy in the new space race

Sam Dinkin — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:14:26 GMT

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish"
-- Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address

Tragedy in the new space race

Edwards — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:20:41 GMT

More information on what possibly could have gone wrong related to the N2O has been posted on the space fellowship:
http://spacefellowship.com/News/?p=2670

Tragedy in the new space race

Daniel S. Maupin, Kingsport, TN — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:11:04 GMT

These honored people are to the aviation industry what open source is to the software industry. They dedicate there lives, not motivated by profit, but rather by the advancement and goodwill of all mankind.

Tragedy in the new space race

John Campbell, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 01:09:26 GMT

The victims of this tragedy deserve the honor of heroes.
In the search for the travel that at the end will save our species from it's certain extinction, they risk their lives to move mankind ever forward.
To reach for the heavens is still to test the limits of man's abilities and so the sacrifice they have made in that reaching should be celebrated as well as mourned.
May their souls live forever in the great beyond that they reached for in their living years.

Tragedy in the new space race

Mark R. Whittington, Houston, Texas — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:07:58 GMT

They died doing what they loved, striving to bring into being something greater than themselves. Such lives, though cut short, are never wasted.

Tragedy in the new space race

gerald may memphis tenn — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:19:06 GMT

Gerald May, Glen's brother, to Eric Blackwell's and Todd Ivens family an friends. May God be with you all at this time . Jen, thanks for your words of comfort. To the familes of Keith, Gene and Jason, God be with your speedy recovery. Glen was asked to come home before he started back this week, but he loved this so much he decided to stay.This is how much he loved this. We are proud of all the work of everyone in this historical event and please keep it going. Thanks from all of Glen's family. ps.to Randy we never knew your first name was David looking forward to seeing this week. God Bless you all ... Glen's family..

Tragedy in the new space race

Daniel Henderson — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:41:27 GMT

The race to bring tourists to space may have claimed it's first victims, but progress will march on to its inevitable conclusion. One day, very soon, Americans will offer suborbital vacation flights to all takers
who are physically able to withstand the stresses
of space flight. We will remember those who died.
Like the american astronauts who died living their dreams, the victims of this terrible tragedy will live on in our hearts and minds.
Daniel Henderson, Metairie, Louisiana
(suburb of New Orleans, post Katrina)

Tragedy in the new space race

Wayne, Alamogordo, NM — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:00:57 GMT

The pursuit of technical advancements has always come with a high price tag in human lives. The loss of these dedicated individuals, although tragic, will result in safety process changes and new technical directions that will minimalize future loses (both human and financial). Having worked in R&D and T&E for the last 27 years, I continue to see first hand the dedication and hard work it takes to help keep this great nation moving forward. Those of us who do this kind of work know the risks, yet there's no other type of work we'd rather be doing. Let's mourn the loss of these brave men, and then let's make sure their sacrifices were not in vain. Let's keep their dreams alive by continued support of their work and of the advancement of technology.

Tragedy in the new space race

Mike Gutierrez, Anchorage, Alaska — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:51:40 GMT

Every great human endeavor has been marked with tragedy. From the time we first waded into the oceans, to our first attempts at flight, accidents have taken the lives of pioneers and heroes. These were not the first nor will they be the last. But the cause for which they gave their lives, human advancement into space, will continue. May God bless them and comfort their families.

Tragedy in the new space race

Paul Breed Solana Beach Ca. — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:39:16 GMT

All new technology has risk. There were 122 steam locomotive boiler explosions in Great Britain in the 19th century. Many people died. Today we take trains planes and automobiles for granted, this ease of use was paid for in the blood of heroes. As private enterprise opens the space frontier this will not be the last tragedy. If we give up the quest then these losses will be in vain, the best way to honor their dreams and sacrifice is to continue forward.

This said, only time will dull the pain of the empty space felt by friends, and family. Nothing I write will ease it and I can't possibly imagine its depth or intensity.

Godspeed dreamers.

Paul Breed
Unreasonable Rocket

Tragedy in the new space race

red pill junkie — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:54:59 GMT

The path to the stars is paved with the blood of heroes.

Godspeed

Tragedy in the new space race

Dr. DougHaynes — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:47:24 GMT

God bless you all from Dr. Haynes at Blue Ridge Nebual Airlines 1st in space flight

Tragedy in the new space race

nick dick, sibiu, romania-europe — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:17:55 GMT

they were, are and will be my heroes. the highest price was paid, the price none of us would want to receive for them to continue their work. at least continue the work so in few more years space to be available not only to military but to all because we pay them actually to restrict us from what we deserve.
when i saw the news suddenly my whole attention was with them

Tragedy in the new space race

Erik de Schrijver, Wemmel, Flanders, Belgium — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:09:56 GMT

To live ... for things that you believe in
to work ... for things you think worthwhile
to suffer ... in pursuit of frontiers to be conquered
to die ... and find others follow in your footprint

May those who passed find peace with God
May those who stayed behind find comfort and strength
God bless all concerned
Gosdspeed

My deepest condolencesfor the families of the men who passed
Wishes of strength and hope for the injured and their families

Tragedy in the new space race

Kelci, Tehachapi CA — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 04:15:59 GMT

Miss you very much Todd. I think about you daily. Miss you too Eric. Kim's hanging in there. Sorry I never got to meet you Glen.... Thinking of all of you everyday.

Tragedy in the new space race

Tech Sgt Rick Hall, Charleston SC — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:03:59 GMT

to boldly go.....

Tragedy in the new space race

Robert Lucido, Long Beach, California, 90804 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:54:48 GMT

May God take them into his arms and fill them with his love. It is evident these men loved what they were doing and they passed away loving what they were doing. Every new endeavor into space has been very dangerous, and we as a new race in the universe, have a long way to go before we can harness space flight out of the solar system. We need men and women that have that initiative to make our dreams of space flight into the cosmos a reality.

Tragedy in the new space race

Don Bewley,Houston,Texas. — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:29:02 GMT

So begins a new pantheon of fallen heroes. It is saddening to know the eventual roll will not be short but heartening to know the goal will be worth the grievous cost. Let us never forget them nor relinquish their dream.

Tragedy in the new space race

Kelci, Tehachapi — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:33:49 GMT

It's been 11 months. The tears do not fall every single day, but the memories are with us every single day. I think of you daily Todd. You're everywhere! :o) I can't look at pictures of the 3 of you without crying still. Todd, your BIG wish in life will come true some year and I promise you that. I've not forgotten it babe! Love and miss you. Give Eric a big ol bear hug for me.