MOJAVE, CA - Investigators say they have uncovered important evidence in the crash of Virgin Galactic's space plane over the Mojave Desert that killed one of the two pilots onboard, discovering that the feathering system designed to reduce speed and stabilize the aircraft during re-entry deployed too early.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, cockpit video shows co-pilot Michael Alsbury unlocking the feathers to SpaceShipTwo Friday morning, just after the ship's rocket ignited. A second lever must be pulled to activate the system, and the video and flight data confirm no one pulled that lever, with the feathering system apparently deploying on its own.
Investigators say it's an important factor in what is still the early stages of their work following the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, Virgin's founder, Richard Branson, says the plan to take tourists to the edge of the Earth's atmosphere will continue.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, cockpit video shows co-pilot Michael Alsbury unlocking the feathers to SpaceShipTwo Friday morning, just after the ship's rocket ignited. A second lever must be pulled to activate the system, and the video and flight data confirm no one pulled that lever, with the feathering system apparently deploying on its own.
Investigators say it's an important factor in what is still the early stages of their work following the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, Virgin's founder, Richard Branson, says the plan to take tourists to the edge of the Earth's atmosphere will continue.