Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Johnny B., Fort Collins, CO — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:03:57 GMT

It would be a disappointment to see anyone drop out of the race at this point. The fierce competition is necessary in order to bring about technical innovation and reduce costs. I wish RK the best in meeting their financial and technical goals.

My favorite, however, is definitely SpaceX. Perhaps it's because of Elon Musk's far ranging vision of space travel and colonization, and personal financial risk-taking. Or maybe it has something to do with my love for his beautiful Tesla Roadster. :-)

I have no doubt about the ultimate financial success of Virgin Galactic. Combine the technological prowess of Burt Rutan and the marketing genius (and deep pockets) of Sir Richard Branson for a sure-fire winning team!

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

steve smyth lynn ma — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:45:51 GMT

not surprised...TIN MEN on display, showing their true colors...tell NASA et al to drop the potential for weaponry, and I'll solve the problem...quicker than you can say BOGUS...

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Darnell Clayton, SC — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:40:38 GMT

I guess its up to SpaceX, Bigelow Aerospace and Space Adventures to make us a space faring species (I think I am typing space too much in the sentence, so I'll stop using it).

Elon Musk seems to be doing pretty well for the first stage of testing on his rocket ship.

Does anyone know where I can find information regarding the second and third stages of testing? I am kinda curious as to how NASA conducts these "padawan trials."

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Bill Hensley, Houston, TX — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:10:07 GMT

I'm glad to hear NASA is not planning to pull the remaining RpK funds back into their general budget. It is great news that there will be another competition. I really want to see SpaceX be successful, but having only one company in the COTS program would increase the risk that no one crosses the finish line.

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Joe Carder, 29 Palms, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:18:23 GMT

I can't wait for the day when we barely remember how difficult it used to be to get into space, and we look back with nostalgia to the days when the SpaceShipThree design became to spaceflight what the DC-3 was to air travel. The early days of flight must have been much like this. The first solo flight to the moon can't be long in coming, either. How exciting!

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Andrew, London, UK — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:57:04 GMT

Mmm, not really a surprise. I seem to remember RK partnered with Orbital (or some other 'old' space type) when bidding for COTS. Guess the old 'political' network got them the contract, but now they have to deliver. Being a cynic, I guess this is the part they didn't expect NASA to hold them to.

I feel sorry for the science and engineer bods who are probably doing great work, once again let down by mgt.

I wish t/space has been the other winner along side SpaceX, instead of RK. A least t/spaced had flying hardware (i.e. test drops). But RK won on nothing more than a few ppt slides - the image on this article being case in point.

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Mark, KC, Mo — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:56:40 GMT

steve smyth; all technology has the potential to be used as weaponry include flint knives. Your attitude would have us stuck in the stone age.

Anyway, I thought that RPK was partnered with Lockheed in developing their project. If that's the case it's no surprise they're not getting much support from the established players; active sabotage of RPK's efforts is what I would expect from United Launch Alliance. Musk has the expertise and the pockets deep enough to mitigate external interference. Plus there seems to be a masked figure at DARPA or DOD who supports the Spacex program to an astonishing degree (see the allocation of the launch pad at kennedy for spacex use; astounding).

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Roger Cooper, Vero Beach, Fl — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:57:52 GMT

I flew U-2's several years and was administratively involved in follow on programs. The ingenuity and program cost to advance to the SR-71 was very large. The same process to advance to the space shuttle was huge. To realistically plan for a commercial space shuttle is beyond my limited imagination. Apparently, it was not beyond the imagination of those who devised adjustable mortgage rates.

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

steve smyth lynn ma — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:54:23 GMT

Marc...I watch TV and see some ad featuring a guy who is over 100...milestones along the way are noted...war...war...war...I guess that's why we are making so much progress, eh?
As long as the notion that cataclysm and war are the prime motivators, people like you will get to make such foolish comments.
Believing that war is essential is why we are still stuck supporting antiquated technologies...it takes a major conflagration to move ahead.
Brighten up, Son!

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Fred, Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:36:57 GMT

Unfortunately for RK and most new enterprises in Oklahoma; our dreams are far bigger than our bank account. I wish RK all the best in bringing the XP project to completion.

Rocketplane faces funding crisis

Commercial Space Insider, Houston, TX — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:07:17 GMT

Andrew from London - RpK had far more than a few ppt slides. At least 75% of the first stage was already built! And the "science and engineer bods" working the program had moved it considerably down the road. You are right that OSC was an original partner.