This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Galactic Capitalists of the Mojave
Congratulations to Mike Melvill of Mojave, the Yuri Gagarin of private space flight. He's the pilot of SpaceShipOne, the first ever private spacecraft. SpaceShipOne was built by designer Burt Rutan and funded by ex-Microsoft guru/#1 Portland Trail Blazer fan Paul Allen. The ship blasted out of Earth's atmosphere this morning at Mach 3, making SoCal aeronautics history. Melvill is a veteran test pilot who has logged over 6900 flight hours across over 100 different planes. According to his bio, he built a Long-EZ jet (pictured) at home and flew it around the world. Nice. LAist watched The Right Stuff last night and he is feeling a little warm and nostalgic to see another test pilot achieve the coveted title of "Astronaut."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
