Spacecraft’s Tail Brake Moved Before Breakup, NTSB Says

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A pilot of the Virgin Galactic Ltd. spacecraft that broke apart last week had unlocked a braking system before he was supposed to as the ship accelerated past the speed of sound.

Moments later, the system on SpaceShipTwo’s tail designed to slow the craft as it reenters Earth’s atmosphere moved into position, Christopher Hart, acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said in a briefing yesterday. That occurred about nine seconds after the rocket fired, he said.