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Melvill

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29 September 2004 15:13 GMT. Landing Date: 2004-09-29 18:37:00. Flight Time: 0.0167 days. Flight Up: SpaceShipOne Flight 16P. Flight Back: SpaceShipOne Flight 16P. Crew: Melvill. Program: X-Prize.

What went wrong: Spacecraft did a series of 60 rolls during last stage of engine burn. Fifth powered flight of Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne and first of two flights over 100 km that needed to be accomplished in a week to win the $10 million X-Prize.

SpaceShipOne coasted to 103 km altitude and successfully completed the first of two X-Prize flights. The motor was shut down when the pilot noted that his altitude predictor exceeded the required 100 km mark. The motor burn lasted 77 seconds, 1 second longer than on the June 21st flight. Melvill was prepared to burn the motor up to 89 seconds, which indicates significant additional performance remains in SS1. During the motor burn the spacecraft began to roll uncontrollably, but Melvill pressed on despite advice from the ground to shut the motor down and abort the attempt.

• 2004 Sep 29 - SpaceShipOne Flight 16P - X-Prize Flight 1  Crew: Melvill. Spacecraft: SpaceShipOne. Launch Site: Mojave. Launch Vehicle: Tier One. Duration: 0.0167 days. Apogee: 103 km (64 mi).

  SpaceShipOne coasted to 103 km altitude and successfully completed the first of two X-Prize flights. The motor was shut down when the pilot noted that his altitude predictor exceeded the required 100 km mark. The motor burn lasted 77 seconds, 1 second longer than on the June 21st flight. Melvill was prepared to burn the motor up to 89 seconds, which indicates significant additional performance remains in SS1. During the motor burn the spacecraft began to roll uncontrollably, but Melvill pressed on despite advice from the ground to shut the motor down and abort the attempt.