50 years ago today the prototype of the supersonic SR.53 rocket-powered interceptor aircraft made its first test flight at RAE Boscombe Downs, England. Over the following year, the two prototypes flew 42 times, including supersonically, but after an unexplained crash the project was cancelled. The planned function of high-altitude interception was fulfilled by the "Lightning" aircraft which was being developed at much the same time. Although the Lightnings were much loved by pilots, and became famous as world record-holders for high-speed climb, they could not of course leave the atmosphere as a rocket-powered vehicle could have.

by Dr. Patrick Collins

by Carol Pinchefsky

by Carol Pinchefsky

by Carol Pinchefsky

The delayed second test flight of SpaceX's Falcon 1 took place on Tuesday March 20th to bittersweet success: although the rocket reached space and achieved a number of benchmarks, including stage separation and a second-stage ignition, it ultimately did not achieve orbital velocity. After a smooth first-stage ascent, a roll instability developed in the second stage, and further contact with the rocket was lost.

MSNBC reports that the SpaceX launch of the Falcon 1 rocket scheduled for March 19, 2007, was scrubbed 62 seconds before launch. The article cited a telemetry problem, occurring perhaps when data transmission was switched from land line to radio.

by G.B. Leatherwood

by Carol Pinchefsky

According to a BBC article , Blue Origin, the aerospace company launched by Amazon.com's founder Jeff Bezos, has released images of its spacecraft, which launched in November. The launch was viewed only by intimates of Bezos and his project but was captured on camera.