On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 15:33:57 GMT, (Derek Lyons)
wrote:

(George William Herbert) wrote:

Derek Lyons wrote:
First returns; the 100km mark was broken, ascent phase control
problems remain.

This time the control problems were at the end of the burn,
but it looked pretty exciting for a bit there...

20 odd rolls according to Miles O'Brien on CNN, somewhat more severe
than last time.

I hope there's a straightforwards answer so they can fly
the next flight on time.

Agreed.

D.

According to Spaceflightnow.com

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ss1/status.html

"1620 GMT (12:20 p.m. EDT)

Mike Melvill just told reporters gathered at the runway that it was
pilot error that caused the unplanned roll during the rocket engine
firing of today's launch. He said SpaceShipOne performed properly and
he was never worried during the flight, knowing he could damp out the
roll motion. Once he knew the 62-mile target altitude would be
reached, he commanded the engine to shut down. The cutoff occurred 11
seconds early.

Rutan says the data will be examined closely, but at this point
officials expect to conduct the second X Prize launch attempt within
the next two weeks as required for the contest.

Melvill quipped that the craft just needs to be refueled and it'll be
ready to go."


- Rusty Barton