On September 29th, 2004, Jim and friend Kevin Ryan witnessed the launch of SpaceShipOne in its quest for the 10 million dollar Ansari X-Prize. As guests of Doug Shane, Jim and Kevin were able to tour the facility at Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites within hours of the successful flight. Be sure to see the pictures of Doug’s guitar.
An estimated 27,000 people began gathering very early in the morning to get a good spot for viewing
White Night carrying SpaceShipOne as it approaches the runway for takeoff (photo Richard Seaman)
Mike Mellvill greeting the crowds atop spaceShipOne after his successful flight
Burt Rutan and Paul Allen sit on the tailgate of the pick up and wave to cheering fans
the White Knight being serviced
A picture of The White Night as it is serviced for the next attempt
SpaceShipOne after it's safe return
the separated nose cone from SS1 as it is serviced
A peek inside the cock pit of spaceShipOne
Jim and Kevin pose for a picture next to SpaceShipOne only hours after it's return from space
A peek inside a simulator to train SS1 pilots. Amazingly this was also designed and built "in house" at Scaled.
Kevin Ryan getting a peek at Richard Branson's "Global Flyer" as it nears completion.
This was one of Jim's amazing machine moments! A CNC that travels 50 feet. By comparison Jim's CNC travels 40 inches! It is brand new to Scaled. A new "climate controlled" building was required just ot house it. Eventually it will be used to carve the foam for wings and other components.
