Blow for Richard Branson's space programme

[CellBel]

Big blow for Branson.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.asp...aking_news/breaking_news__international_news/

Richard Branson's plans to run the first commercial space-flight service were thrown into disarray on Friday after an explosion during a test of the rocket's propulsion system left three workers dead and three seriously wounded with shrapnel injuries and burns. Witnesses said the explosion was accompanied by a blast that sounded like a bomb.

 

[StrongTurd]

That's very bad news but these guys knew the risks; spaceflight is inherently dangerous.

 

[CellBel]

No room for error in project like this.

 

[Alan]

Jeez crazy how that happened. Major disaster

 

[NoADSLyet]

Any progress goes hand in hand with some setbacks or disaster. Pity about the death and injuries.

 

[lsuacner]

Which is why NASA spends so much in comparison.

 

[StrongTurd]

Which is why NASA spends so much in comparison.

Not that NASA has a particularly good safety record.

 

[BobbyMac]

Not that NASA has a particularly good safety record.

Really? Even their drunk pilots make it back for the most part.

 

[Alan]

NASA reports computer sabotage

 

[StrongTurd]

Your chances of dying in a space shuttle are about 1:50. I wouldn't call that particularly safe. If fact, I'd venture to say that flying the space shuttle is just about the most dangerous form of transport known to man. No wonder those pilots start dopping before a flight.

 

[Alan]

The Russians are a safer bet believe it or not

 

[StrongTurd]

The Russians are a safer bet believe it or not

Agreed. The Soyuz system is about 40 years old but normally works like clockwork.