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In reply to the discussion: Branson has developed access to space without the need for a heavy lift vehicle... [View all]MerryHolidays
(7,715 posts)28. Yes, and that was done 60 years and was a key step in the US space program
It was a logical sequence of flights from Mercury to Gemini to Apollo that was one of the finest moments in US and world history.
I do not understand how Sir Richard's junket and Alan Shepard's bravery 60 years ago are in any way comparable.
Don't get me wrong: I am a great admirer of Richard Branson. He has been an adventurer for decades and has done or attempted a lot of great things in the spirit of adventure. If yesterday was a one-time thing, it's fine. But it's the fact that this is business that is the issue for me. VG and its passengers need to pay and be accountable for their fair share.
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Branson has developed access to space without the need for a heavy lift vehicle... [View all]
brooklynite
Jul 2021
OP
It's good to see someone posting here with something other than the knee-jerk...
Silent3
Jul 2021
#2
It was done 60 years ago...by definition it was crude. Back then it was cutting edge.
MerryHolidays
Jul 2021
#15
Sub-orbital flight with so much more safety, re-usability, greater payload, etc.
Silent3
Jul 2021
#58
The 'much more primitive' vehicle reached 4,500 mph and 350,000 ft
muriel_volestrangler
Jul 2021
#60
Do you have evidence that it does? That's why I asked the question in my post.
MerryHolidays
Jul 2021
#22
I'm invested in any development (public or private) that expands access to space...
brooklynite
Jul 2021
#21
I personally haven't participated in angry rants against Branson or Bezos over this...
Wounded Bear
Jul 2021
#29
You are correct, of course. Then we built bigger rockets with more fuel and thrust.
GulfCoast66
Jul 2021
#26
Yes, and that was done 60 years and was a key step in the US space program
MerryHolidays
Jul 2021
#28
Mercury was designed to orbit, before the decision to make suborbital flights with Redstone
muriel_volestrangler
Jul 2021
#62
Her dad must have been annoyed she was flying BA or Air France rather than Pan Am! nt
MerryHolidays
Jul 2021
#57