Poster
06-22-2004, 03:47 PM
The first privately financed spacecraft has reached the edge of space, 62 miles above the earth. The launch at the Mojave Airport was watched by thousands as Mike Melvill, 63, SpaceShipOne's pilot, launched into space. Government officials believe that the future of the American space program lies in the private sector, and were glad the event was a success.
"They are doing much to open the door to a new marketplace offering the experience of weightlessness and suborbital space flight to the public," said NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe.
Melvill's flight yesterday did not qualify for the $10 million dollar X-Prize because only one person was aboard. The prize requires two separate successful trips carrying at least 3 people. The team said they hope to make their official bid later this year.
Paul Allen, the co founder of Microsoft, was the main source of financing for the expedition. “The point is with a relatively modest budget, you can do this," Allen. "You can take off-the-shelf technology and put it together in an incredibly creative way."
For more information see: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20040622-9999-1n22rocket.html
"They are doing much to open the door to a new marketplace offering the experience of weightlessness and suborbital space flight to the public," said NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe.
Melvill's flight yesterday did not qualify for the $10 million dollar X-Prize because only one person was aboard. The prize requires two separate successful trips carrying at least 3 people. The team said they hope to make their official bid later this year.
Paul Allen, the co founder of Microsoft, was the main source of financing for the expedition. “The point is with a relatively modest budget, you can do this," Allen. "You can take off-the-shelf technology and put it together in an incredibly creative way."
For more information see: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20040622-9999-1n22rocket.html