Part 4/8:
Despite Branson's brazen attempts to bring the world of space tourism to fruition, challenges have loomed large. In 2014, a tragic test flight resulted in the destruction of a Spaceship Two aircraft, claiming the life of one pilot and injuring another. This accident illuminated the real dangers of space travel, and the mission faced ongoing scrutiny regarding safety practices, especially given the manual operation of the flights—an unconventional choice in an era where automation dominates aviation.