At first I was thinking that it was just a shock blast from an exploding Nitrous tank but the photos look charred so some of the HTPB must of ignited right? Odviously not all of it though as that much fuel exploding would’ve left a massive crater. Was thinking that if the nitrous tank ruptured that the HTPB fuel would burn until the Nitrous had expanded enough to cease being dense enough to burn with the HTPB. But the question, remains how did a simple pressurizing test cause an explosion?

Very bizarre incident considering the safeness of the procedure and the safety record of Scaled. VERY sad for those who died and their loved ones.

This will add some time to the deadline of flying SS2. Not just for the investigation and revision of procudures but constructing a new test stand and trailer and etc equipment. It’s a good thing Burt never discussed the deadline before now… This setback may not appear to be as bad to the public when they do make SS2 public.

Does anyone know if they were pressurizing the tank in preperation of a rocket test?

It’s horrible, just horrible, I hope they find answers…

Michael Potter of P&M Aircraft reported that two people from Scaled Composites came to his place of business Thursday looking for parts from a Boeing 727. They informed him that the company was working on engines with stepped-up thrust for the new spaceship.