posted on Jun, 29 2004 @ 04:17 PM
After looking over the new pictures released on Scaled Composites' web site, I have found two images of note...
First, the pictures of Space Ship One from their launch on 6/21 (1st private manned mission to space) and the pictures of Space Ship One from previous
launches show a marked difference in the thrust nozzle configuration.
Original Space Ship One
New Space Ship One
Second, Scaled has actually released the photo which demonstrates the after-effect of the loud bang Mike Melvill heard during boost phase.
Apparently, part of the new thruster configuration buckled.
Buckled Thruster
Though the changes between the initial craft and record-breaking craft are minimal, it leads me to wonder how many 'Space Ship Ones' Scaled has up
their sleeve. Judging from this company's ultra-secretive nature when it comes to prototype aircraft, I could image a fleet of these craft already
in existence.
What do you think?