Three people were killed after an explosion during an oxidizer test at Scaled Composites this week, two yesterday when the explosion happened, one today from complications afterwards. Scaled Composites is the company that won the X-Prize for the successful sub-orbital flight of its spacecraft, SpaceShipOne. The crew had been testing engine components for SpaceShipTwo, the private craft being built for Virgin Galactic, the suborbital spaceflight arm of Virgin Atlantic.

From what I've read of company owner Burt Rutan, he takes safety very seriously, and the explosion has certainly shaken him and his company. I hope that this isn't a crippling setback and doesn't lead to a slew of congressional regulatory meddling. Spaceflight is dangerous, and everyone involved realizes that; the last thing we need is the government getting even more reg-happy with this fledgling industry then they are now.