[gordner]

Some pretty harsh comments. They were [I]testing[I] this ship, and from what I know that is a graduated program, they don't take it to max altitude the first few rounds especially when testing new fuels. And testing new fuels is hardly a bad sign considering the success of the first fuel used, obviously they are anticipating increased performance to a degree that warrants the change. These guys are flying to space remember, not even remotely a safe endeavor on the best days. In the developmental stages set backs are inevitable and are experienced in every program of this type. Modern jet fighter aircraft manufacturers suffer hull losses in most every testing program of new platforms many with fatalities. The gulfstream 650 is a clean sheet design private aircraft, just a business jet, and test pilots were killed during the development.
Rattan and virgin have a laudable safety record and very thorough practices, they are hardly amateurs and I think probably know what they are doing at this point.