We Have Liftoff...

[hobbsmeter]

Here's to a successful mission and a safe return to Earth.

 

[bocefus]

What? Liftoff? do the "concerned NASA safety officials know about this?

 

[Horizon]

How does one become one of the lucky few who get to go along for the ride? Is prior involvement in the military the only way?

 

[YourPilotFriend]

They are not hiring anymore as of now. It's the one of the most competitive programs on the face of the earth.

 

[Jetz]

God Bless America

I thought Steven Lindsey's words pre-launch were eloquent and patriotic. I only wish I could have been there to witness the "rocket's red glare" with my own eyes, which had tears in them anyway watching on Fox News Channel and Nasa TV / internet simultaneously. Even with the 40 second delay, it was fantastic. Made my 4th of July.

15,000 mph in a very short time...that is some kick in the pants.

Every American should be very proud today of our great country...Land of the Free and Home of The Brave!

 

[IFollowRoads]

I still luv what Rutan and Scaled Composites did with the X Prize. I cant believe they havent flown again since. Wonder whats up with that.

 

[Rogue5]

How does one become one of the lucky few who get to go along for the ride? Is prior involvement in the military the only way?

Hey Horizon,

I've gotta question about your tag-line: "Thrust=weight/drag."

Is that to mean "Thrust equals weight divided by drag?" In the case of a vertically launched vehicle like the shuttle shouldn't it be "Thrust=weight+drag," or more precisely "Thrust > weight + drag?"

Something just isn't adding up in the aerodynamic corners of my mind...

 

[tomgoodman]

More bucks, more Buck Rogers

I still luv what Rutan and Scaled Composites did with the X Prize. I cant believe they havent flown again since. Wonder whats up with that.

Funding. The mission cost far more than the X Prize paid, but was possible due to bankrolling by Microsoft tycoon Paul Allen.

 

[IFollowRoads]

Funding. The mission cost far more than the X Prize paid, but was possible due to bankrolling by Microsoft tycoon Paul Allen.

Yeah, I knew the background. I just figured that nut Branson would've insisted they take him up by now

 

[Horizon]

Hey Horizon,

I've gotta question about your tag-line: "Thrust=weight/drag."

Is that to mean "Thrust equals weight divided by drag?" In the case of a vertically launched vehicle like the shuttle shouldn't it be "Thrust=weight+drag," or more precisely "Thrust > weight + drag?"

Something just isn't adding up in the aerodynamic corners of my mind...

Haha, it's not an equation as much as it is a joke. For airplanes to fly, we're typically taught Thrust = Drag. Well, for the shuttle to launch, it would appear that thrust not only equals drag, but also weight, hence the Thrust = Weight/drag.