Statement from ESA Director General on the loss of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo

In the wake of the tragic loss of SpaceShip Two, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain said:

“A very sad day for the world’s space family, starting with the family of the pilot who gave his life for the progress of exploration of space. Progress is made of many successes but also of failures and accidents. Those who have given their lives to such progress are remembered forever because they provide lessons to those who will continue to push the frontiers of the possible. We thank them wholeheartedly.

On behalf of the European Space Agency and its Member States, its staff and contractors, I express my deepest condolences to the family and the loved ones of the pilot who perished and I wish a quick recovery to the other pilot.”