Virgin Galactic's quest to create 'world's first commercial spaceline' has been deadly, expensive

Rocket engine lit, and they were off. Within seconds, the spacecraft crested 600 mph, fast approaching the speed of sound. Then, suddenly, there was the surreal sensation of the wings ripping off as if they were made of paper.

Debris littered the desert floor. And in the wreckage, first-responders found the lifeless body of one of the pilots, Michael…