EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE - The fatal crash last week of an experimental rocket ship in the Kern County desert designed to shoot wealthy tourists into space has raised raises safety issues.

There are questions over possible pilot error, the escape system for its crew, and the ship's exotic rocket motor.

Virgin Galactic owner Sir Richard Branson has said it was "quite hurtful" for his company's engineers that claims were made about their spacecraft exploding.

Sir Richard said that a fuel explosion has been ruled out by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash.

Branson told the BBC there are 400 of the best engineers in the world working for Virgin Galactic.

"They are building a system that they will feel comfortable going up in themselves in one day. We will keep them working for decades to come."

The investigation is focused on a device intended to slow the spacecraft's descent. (Source: Los Angeles Times)

Story Date: November 7, 2014