SpaceShipOne Handles Part I Of X Prize Attempt, With An Unexpected Spin

from the that's-gotta-be-scary dept

SpaceShipOne shot into the edges of space successfully today in its attempt at winning the X Prize. To win, the ship must successfully go into space one more time within the next two weeks. Still, it must have been a bit unnerving to note that the ship started to do an unexpected roll as it rocketed towards space. The pilot later (jokingly) referred to it as a "victory roll." When the roll began, the team decided to abort the mission, but the pilot, Mike Melvill, decided to push on. Still, the unexpected motion seems to have some wondering if SpaceShipOne will have to delay its second attempt.