SpaceShipTwo Disaster: 'Feathering' Problems Revealed
It could take a year to figure out what caused the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo to disintegrate in the sky, killing one co-pilot and raising questions about the future of commercial space flight.
But two new clues have emerged about what went wrong before the Friday disaster. And both involve the spacecraft's "feathering," a process used to stabilize and slow the spacecraft down toward Earth.
During feathering, two pieces on the back of the vehicle - the "feathers" - lift up perpendicular to the spaceship, making the vehicle look like it's arching its back as it descends.
But on Friday, "the feather lock-unlock lever was moved by the co-pilot from the locked position to the unlocked position" prematurely, the National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday night.
"Morning Minute" with Michaela Pereira – November 3, 2014
Need to get today's top stories on-the-go? Watch Michaela Pereira's morning minute now!
Five Things to Know for Your New Day – Monday, November 3, 2014
Republicans could be on the verge of taking over the Senate, a right-to-die advocate ends her journey, and a daredevil walks between two Chicago skyscrapers - on a tightrope and blindfolded.
It's Monday, and here are the "5 things to know for your New Day."
1. ELECTION DAY
Last-minute sprint: It's that time, when hundreds of politicians make a mad dash to earn your vote. At stake: All 435 seats in the House and party control in the Senate. And at this point, Republicans look like they could gain control of the Senate. But what if the Senate splits? For Vice President Joe Biden, that would be a BFD.
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