ABC-7’s Jayme Rubenstein Reports On Spaceport Safety Concerns
T or C, Nm. – The announcement of which firm will build Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico was expected today,but instead Virgin Galacticofficals are in the Mojave Desert today grieving the loss of three engineers after an engine exploded.
It’s not only a tragedy, but a possible setback to private space travel. Spaceport officials say if Thursday’s deadly explosion was the result of bad engine design– the redesign could push back launch dates at Spaceport America.
“These accidents happen and they are very, very tragic but we can learn something from them in terms of how to do these things in a safer fashion.” saidDr. Kelly O’Donnell, the Chairman of theNew MexicoSpaceport Authority.
The three engineers who died worked for “Scaled Composites” the company building many of the parts needed to send up private citizens to space from southern New Mexico. The explosion has already delayed a major announcement as to who will build the spaceport.
But officials say the plans themselves will continue on schedule– not only despite the tragedy, but in honor of those who died.
Dr. O’Donnell went on to say, “IfNASA would have stopped after the first problems they had with people dying in space, we wouldn’t be where we are today. So we plan on moving forward. The families have our deepest respects and deepest condolences. But the best way to honor them is to get this thing started and moving.”
