Aviation/Space

Private Pilot Nearly Shot Down for Violating “Secret No-Fly Zone”

"Despite the fact that he had done nothing wrong, Fleming was handcuffed, charged with 'breach of peace,' and held for more than 24 hours before being interrogated by FBI and Homeland Security officials. The charges were dismissed after he showed the investigators that the zone wasn’t marked in aviation charts – but he was required to sign a document promising that he wouldn’t file a lawsuit against the officials who had illegally detained him. He later learned that local police officials had made preparations to shoot down his glider if he hadn’t landed as quickly as he did. Fleming did nothing illegal – yet he was brutalized by people prepared to kill him." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPrivate Pilot Nearly Shot Down for Violating “Secret No-Fly Zone”

Private Pilot Nearly Shot Down for Violating “Secret No-Fly Zone”

"Despite the fact that he had done nothing wrong, Fleming was handcuffed, charged with 'breach of peace,' and held for more than 24 hours before being interrogated by FBI and Homeland Security officials. The charges were dismissed after he showed the investigators that the zone wasn’t marked in aviation charts – but he was required to sign a document promising that he wouldn’t file a lawsuit against the officials who had illegally detained him. He later learned that local police officials had made preparations to shoot down his glider if he hadn’t landed as quickly as he did. Fleming did nothing illegal – yet he was brutalized by people prepared to kill him." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPrivate Pilot Nearly Shot Down for Violating “Secret No-Fly Zone”

The world’s first airborne Mexican food delivery system

"Earlier this year, the world was brought to its knees when it was cruelly teased with the promise of tasty Mexican treats being delivered via quadcopter. We believe everyone deserves carne asada when they want it and so today, we make that dream a reality. We’re proud to introduce: Burrito Bomber -- truly the world's first airborne Mexican food delivery system." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe world’s first airborne Mexican food delivery system

‘Brighter than a full moon’: The biggest star of 2013… could be Ison – the comet of the century

"At the moment it is a faint object, visible only in sophisticated telescopes as a point of light moving slowly against the background stars. It doesn't seem much – a frozen chunk of rock and ice – one of many moving in the depths of space. But this one is being tracked with eager anticipation by astronomers from around the world, and in a year everyone could know its name. Comet Ison could draw millions out into the dark to witness what could be the brightest comet seen in many generations – brighter even than the full Moon." Continue reading →

Continue Reading‘Brighter than a full moon’: The biggest star of 2013… could be Ison – the comet of the century

Experimental Private Rocket Makes Highest Test Hop Yet

"A privately built rocket prototype that could lead to a completely reusable spaceflight system has passed its biggest test yet — a 12-story hop and smooth landing. In the latest test at SpaceX's proving grounds in MacGregor, Texas, the Grasshopper rocket flew for 29 seconds and reached a height of more than 130 feet (40 meters). A video of the Grasshopper test flight shows the rocket soaring up into the Texas sky, then smoothly descending to land on four spindly legs." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingExperimental Private Rocket Makes Highest Test Hop Yet