Thanks, seems like there's quite a bit of Visionary vs. Realist going on over there. Four dead so far. The article also talks about the same concerns voiced by a former editor for CNN who went public right after the accident with her concerns about how completely inadequate the motors are for "space" flight.

Although not part of this endeavor, don't forget Rick Brickert. There were warnings with that project also...

Yeah the WSJ is a small step above FOX in "objectivity", but I continue to subscribe for some reason. Before Rupert tried to make it all sexy it used to be a quality source of information.

The whole piece is a bit dramatic but gives a good feel for tensions that go on, and provides a bit of insight why some astroturfers would be so defensive. In reality this sounds like every single place I've ever worked professionally, with often clueless management types asking for the impossible. Having articles like this WSJ piece is probably a good thing for everybody involved. It lets the lay person understand the difficulties involved in these massive engineering feats and keeps people honest.

"Well, if the unthinkable happens, our company can always beg from kind souls on the web - that should drive down our premiums and make us look less heartless. Plus, after they donate we tell them that their opinions are worthless. Those internet suckers will probably believe us.

Pilot error? Hmm, let's revisit that liability release form he signed when hired. High five!"

The WSJ article sounds out all the old familiar themes in this private endeavor that have been the bane of good old NASA throughout time and how it runs the U.S. Space program. No difference other than NASA always had a bottemless well (U.S. tax payers) to keep drawing from and a bigger squad of spin meisters to spread the B.S. when needed.

Doesn't help when safety officers voice concern and resign prior to an incident.

Mojave Jobs: Virgin Galactic Needs a Vice President of Safety at Parabolic Arc

Absolutely even NASA had their problems, remember the Rogers commission report, was a fascinating tale when that came out decades ago.

Probable cause released, a lot of references to inadequate training (e.g. FO apparently didn't realize unlocking could lead to spontaneous deployment)

Virgin Galactic crash blamed on human error - Jul. 28, 2015