Virgin Orbit folds

[Son of Mathonwy]

This is sad to see:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/202 ... ce-mission
https://www.theguardian.com/science/202 ... m-cornwall

NB this is separate from Virgin Galactic (not that that doesn't have problems).

[morepork]

Is it? Do we really need three private space tourism companies headed by three different real life Bond villains spunking carbon and enough money to end world hunger into the ether all in the name of vanity?


Leave research to scientists.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Is it? Do we really need three private space tourism companies headed by three different real life Bond villains spunking carbon and enough money to end world hunger into the ether all in the name of vanity?


Leave research to scientists.

Well, from a UK perspective it's sad that there won't be a satellite launching facility here.

From a science perspective it's an interesting alternative method to launch small satellites from the wing of an aeroplane, and (I would perhaps naïvely think) a more efficient one than launching from the ground.

Of course launching this far for the equator isn't such a great idea!

[Sandydragon]

Is it? Do we really need three private space tourism companies headed by three different real life Bond villains spunking carbon and enough money to end world hunger into the ether all in the name of vanity?


Leave research to scientists.

I rather suspect the research has been by actual scientists, its just the funding is private rather than public. Maybe this is how space research proceeds with greater private investment.

[morepork]

Is it? Do we really need three private space tourism companies headed by three different real life Bond villains spunking carbon and enough money to end world hunger into the ether all in the name of vanity?


Leave research to scientists.

I rather suspect the research has been by actual scientists, its just the funding is private rather than public. Maybe this is how space research proceeds with greater private investment.

You mean like the token woman biochemist the Saudis paid to send up for PR? The ISS is due to crash and burn by 2030. It's done. This is a jolly.

[morepork]

Whitey on the Moon (RIP Gil Scott)