X-prize race hots up

Zardon · Jul 12, 2004, 06:38 PM

The race to get an astronaut and privately-owned rocket into space is hotting up. The Ansari X-prize will give $10m to the first team who can get a spaceship able to carry three people into space - defined as 100km above earth. They must return safely and repeat the feat within two weeks.

Last month Mike Melvill was the first mere mortal in space aboard SpaceShipOne and it looked like the prize was his. But problems meant they were unable to go up again within the two weeks specified by the prize. And now there's someone on their tail.

read more

Falstaff · Jul 12, 2004, 06:52 PM

Mike Melvill was nearly killed as well, his ship suffered damage and I understand it will have to be redesigned. Imagine a commercial space launch company, no more Russian Vostock rockets, you just stand in the que and wait

Matth · Jul 13, 2004, 11:29 PM

Don't forget starchaser ... http://www.starchaser.co.uk/

Not necessarily a front runner, but a conventional looking design that just might win in a tortoise versus hare scanario - if the innovative designs run into insurmountable problems.

Jul 12, 2004, 06:38 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	X-prize race hots up The race to get an astronaut and privately-owned rocket into space is hotting up. The Ansari X-prize will give $10m to the first team who can get a spaceship able to carry three people into space - defined as 100km above earth. They must return safely and repeat the feat within two weeks. Last month Mike Melvill was the first mere mortal in space aboard SpaceShipOne and it looked like the prize was his. But problems meant they were unable to go up again within the two weeks specified by the prize. And now there's someone on their tail. read more

Jul 12, 2004, 06:52 PM	#2
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	Mike Melvill was nearly killed as well, his ship suffered damage and I understand it will have to be redesigned. Imagine a commercial space launch company, no more Russian Vostock rockets, you just stand in the que and wait __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Jul 13, 2004, 11:29 PM	#3
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	Don't forget starchaser ... http://www.starchaser.co.uk/ Not necessarily a front runner, but a conventional looking design that just might win in a tortoise versus hare scanario - if the innovative designs run into insurmountable problems.