White Sands, N.M.
A rocket launched by a private company crashed in the New Mexico desert this week before it achieved orbit. SpaceLoft XL, built by Connecticut-based UP Aerospace, climbed to 40,000 feet, but then veered off course and crashed in the vicinity of New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range. The rocket was carrying a payload of about 50 small items, including some cremated remains and school science experiments. UP Aerospace is one of several companies vying to make space travel available to the public. “It’s going to take a long time to make it safe for the general public,” said UP Aerospace president Jerry Larson. “But it will happen.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Quiz of The Week: 15 – 21 NovemberQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week’s news?
-
Can the UK do more on climate change?Today's Big Question Labour has shown leadership in the face of fraying international consensus, but must show the public their green mission is ‘a net benefit, not a net cost’
-
The Week Unwrapped: Will US Catholics rebel against the Pope?Podcast Plus what are the ethics of freezing your late partner?
