Burt Rutan Flies into Space !!!!!!!!!

He hasn't done it yet.

 

Who???


DrS

 

That is incredible news, William!!

 

Burt Rutan is a genius and has singlehandedly advanced aviation technology in quantum leaps. Now he is advancing space flight. The X Prize of ten million dollars expires the end of this year, he may or may not make it. It requires, among other things, a manned flight to 100 km (62.5 miles).
What he has done so far is his typical methodical, incremental and successful testing.
That said, the highest Rutan's ship has gone so far is 105,000 ft, not even close to sub-orbital. Hell, the Concorde flew drunken rock stars over the Atlantic at 60,000 ft on a regular basis.
I think Rutan will win the X Prize, though.

 

i dunno, it looks like that pic is over 105,000 feet....am i wrong?

 

My thoughts exactly...

 

John Carmack, owner of ID Software is doing this as well.
http://www.armadilloaerospace.com/n.x/Armadillo/Home

While I wish Carmack luck, I get a feeling that he's building a very fast lawn dart.

Here's a picture of his F50 in the shop

 

Off topic, but continuing from my post.

Here's John Carmack (skinny guy on the left) with Seumas McNally, an independant games developer whom he befriended. Seumas McNally had and ultimately died from Hodgkins Lymphoma.

John gave him a ride in the F50. I believe he was also pulled over for speeding during the time, but the police officer let him go after explaining why he was driving so fast. No police officer in his right mind would ticket a guy for giving a joyride to someone with a deadly disease.

John also gave away his first Ferrari (a 3X8) to David "Thresh" Fong as a prize for winning a video gaming competition. He seems to be a pretty class act.

 

Yes

 

Photos can be deceiving. Look at these, the first one was taken at 68,000 ft.
It still looks like quite a ride from there.

 

Did anyone else notice his N number is "328"? Funny...

 

The number is not random. the 328KF signifies the altitude the craft must reach to win the prize, 328,000 feet.

 

I think he should go for 360,000 ft.

 

And here's a quote from their latest news update:

"Some of our wrapped insulation tape was starting to fray from the engine blasts now that it has been hot enough that the initial sticky-backing was cooked off. A few more hose clamps should keep it all properly in place."

Something tells me Rutan might be a few steps ahead of these guys.

 

Rutan is a Genius. I read recently he was the first to get the official approval for their space shot. My money is 100% on him making the official shot this year, as the flight tests are going pretty well.

It amazes me he is doing this, which would consume a small army anywhere else, AND has built Fossett/Branson's Global Flyer at the same time! Plus who knows what else still under wraps.

http://www.virginatlanticglobalflyer.com/

Cheers,
Jon

 

Rutan is amazing. Just think what he could do with NASA if the feds gave him control of it for ten years.

 

I know about this guy, saw him in a movie. "Dude Where's My Car." Wasn't he Zoltan?

RocketBoy