SpaceShipOne captures X-prize!

[Adam Y.]

The true lesson is more along the lines of "Walk before you run." Test the designs to find out where they break. Identify the problems. Correct the design to eliminate them. Note that every airliner since the Comet has rounded corners on the windows (and doors).

Yeah I agree with you on that part. I guess the DC-10 airliner problem probably would have been a better example. Those airplanes lost engines due to a lack in regulation of repair procedures. How about the Bopal disaster in India. I think the main thing that we have to concern ourselves as engineers is falling into a false sense of security because if we don't we will do something incredibly stupid and maybe even dangerous.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Marc P.

...A spaceship is capable of not only killing passengers, but anyone unfortunate enough to be on the ground if one were to come crashing down.
...Private spaceflight is a new industry, and has plenty of hurdles to overcome before becoming as widely accepted as planes, boats, and cars, but regulation is a necessary measure to keep things safe.

Airliners are just as capable of hitting people on the ground if they "come crashing down". Cars are already on the ground (and are much more likely to hit people if something goes wrong, because they are generally operated near people). There's nothing special about spacecraft in this way.

Consider the safety rules for a FIRST robot. There are a few absolutes regarding a robot's interaction with the field, but only general guidelines for how to implement the rules. Regulation is fine if it gives a standard or goal, but if it specifies things in too much detail, it overly restricts the options available, and smothers innovation.

The old rules for rocket-propelled launch vehicles are written with the assumption that rocket equals artillery. Launch pads are still located on firing ranges, and the range safety officer requires the ability to destroy the vehicle if it threatens to leave the range in an uncontrolled manner. That's not appropriate for passenger craft. The proper standard is to demonstrate the ability to maintain control in every probable situation, and to demonstrate the ability to survive a loss of control in all but the most improbable situations.

Even with extremely restrictive regulation, there will always be accidents. You can't legislate luck.

[Zzyzx]

Are there any videos of either fights on line? I've been looking, but have not found any.

[dubious elise]

Originally Posted by Zzyzx

Are there any videos of either fights on line? I've been looking, but have not found any.

http://www.xprize.com has links to the final flight video. beware, it only works if you are running a windows OS!