posted 10-06-2005 10:00 AM
I attended the unveiling ceremony yesterday and had a great experience meeting Burt Rutan, Paul Allen, and others during the event. Both gave short speeches, then Mr. Allen signed the document that transferred ownership of the spacecraft to the museum. Burt pointed out that we are in another "space race" with Russia in the new business of space tourism, and they are clearly ahead right now. He vowed to "beat the Russians again" with a wave to someone in the crowd by the name of Joe Engle...he got a big smile from Engle in return. Both made it clear that this will become an affordable, high-volume industry that just about anyone can take part in.
Throughout the event, Burt frequently looked over his shoulder and up at Spaceship One hanging overhead. He seemed to be amazed by the sight of it there among the "Spirit of St. Louis", the Bell X-1, and the X-15.
Rutan and Allen both signed for quite some time following the event, and everyone had a chance to talk with them briefly. The real fun began as the crowds and media people drifted off. Burt was left standing there with a small group of people, talking about his experiences with the devopment of the ship. He began an impromtu tour of his aircraft on display in the museum, guiding the group from the space plane to the Voyager aircraft that flew around the world unrefueled.
He discussed both programs for 30 minutes or more to a wide eyed group, then got on the subject of Spaceship Two...which, he said is already being built. He descibed it as about the size of a Gulfstream 4 business jet, with a low wing instead of the high wing configuration of #1. Each passenger has 2 seats...one upright for the ascent, and one molded couch on the floor next to the seat for entry. He expects 5 G's or so during this period, and this is the best position to take the load. Each has a large overhead circular window with hand holds. You will be pretty much confined to your own personal area, perhaps with the use of a bugee type tether.
Getting into the seat has to be accomplished in the 22 seconds from entry interface to the buildup of one G. Once the G's have backed off, you get up and back into your upright seat for landing. No hydraulics...all cable flight controls, and no thrust vectoring. A more robust RCS will take care of the thrust assymetry during the climb. Two pilots(keep the FAA happy)who I am sure would work for free, control the ship with two steering wheels, much like the X-1. It goes much higher than Spaceship One did.
He gave other details on White Knight Two that were "not for public knowledge"...a subtle request from Mr. Rutan that I will honor. Just know that the entire experience of going to fly in space is going to be well worth the wait...and the investment!
posted 10-06-2005 10:00 AM
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