INTERVIEW - Dave Mackay on Space Ship Two

The video discusses the simplicity of the Spaceship design, which is essentially an airplane with a rocket engine. It highlights the challenges of maintaining stability and control when flying out of the atmosphere. The video emphasizes the pilot's experience, focusing on the satisfaction derived from manually controlling the vehicle without any pilot aids like autopilot or autothrust. This manual control is contrasted with relying on computer assistance, underscoring the pilot's direct involvement in flying the Spaceship.

What is the primary design feature of both the Spaceship and White Knight?

• Advanced technology

• Complexity

• Heavy automation

• Simplicity

What does the Spaceship rely on for stability and control?

• Computer systems

• Autopilot systems

• Airflow past its surfaces

• Ground control

What is one of the challenges mentioned about flying the Spaceship?

• Navigating through storms

• Flying it out of the air

• Dealing with high traffic

• Managing fuel efficiency

What is notably absent in the Spaceship's design that affects the pilot's experience?

• Communication devices

• Navigation systems

• Manual controls

• Autopilot and autothrust

How does the pilot's role in controlling the Spaceship differ from other aircraft?

• The pilot relies heavily on computer assistance

• The pilot uses advanced AI for navigation

• The pilot has minimal control over the vehicle

• The pilot is fully in charge without computer interference