Quote:
Originally Posted by Noclevername
Maybe they already had a prototype antigravity by then; not strong enough for launch, but providing enough bouyancy to soft-land.
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Likely so. Given, also, that they likely had stronger engines and a steadier supply of fuel, it's possible he intended to re-enter Rutan's way. Brake to zero (or near zero) so that you don't actually have to shed orbital velocity in atmosphere, and that some kind of anti-gravity to make the descent/landing a bit more comfortable.
Considering the weight of an entire unplanned passenger wasn't a make-or-break to the voyage, this seems at least somewhat reasonable.