From Powerpoint to Plane
Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites rolled out the red carpet last Monday to unveil their multiple-record-setting airplane and mothership, WhiteKnightTwo. Associated Press at CNN
Lucky Number Nine
For the first time in the history of the United States, 9 space-ready engines were fired at once, paving the way for the first Falcon 9 launch. Press Release at SpaceX.com
NewSpace Opportunity or Man-Made Meteorite?
What is to become of the International Space Station? Engineers from around the world weigh in on what to do with the still unfinished space habitation module. Rand Simberg at Popular Mechanics
The Moon’s First Observatory
With no shortage of ambition, Odyssey Moon, one of the contending teams for the Google Lunar X Prize, announced a joint venture with the International Lunar Observatory Association to put an observatory on the lunar surface. Press Release at Odyssey Moon
Fields of Dreams
A disorder known as ’spaceport fever’ is spreading across the face of the earth, and those that have it tend to spread it as far and wide as they possibly can. Ed Regis at Air and Space Magazine
The Rocket Racer Flies
The 2008 Airventure at Oshkosh was home to the maiden flight demonstration of the Rocket Racer plane, complete with ooh’s and aah’s. Rachael Courtland at New Scientist
The Moon Gets Closer
Google Lunar X Prize contender ARCA recently announced their near-future plans for a 100km test launch, leaving the other teams wondering if they’re going to have to play catch-up. Bogdan Sburlea at ARCA
Freight Train to Space
In the wake of the 2008 Space Elevator Conference recently held, skeptics speak out on whether a space elevator will ever be built. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log
The New Area 51
Mojave Air and Space Port is home to mysterious, unidentified flying objects, but it’s also the proving ground for rebellious, game-changing aerospace engineers. Joe Pappalardo at Popular Mechanics
Rocketplane Digs In
Despite losing a $207 million contract, their chief design engineer, and their test pilot, Rocketplane Global shows that determination conquers all. Ben Fenwick at Oklahoma Gazette
Silver Dart Lives
The U.S.-Canadian venture Planetspace moves ahead with their plans for a suborbital craft and orbital launch system. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log
DKNY eyes Rockets in the Sky
The flight of the Rocket Racer at Oshkosh donned an unusual sponsor logo, but like NASCAR, it proves to be a successful partnership. Alan Boyle at Cosmic Log
SIS 5
Continuing the success of bringing private space companies and investors together, Space Investment Summit 5 is planned for October 15 in Los Angeles. Press Release at Space Investment Summit
