SpaceShipOne to take flight for X-Prize

Valley Press ^ | on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 | ALLISON GATLIN

[BenLurkin]

"TEST FLIGHT REPORT - Famed aviation designer Burt Rutan describes how his SpaceShipOne performed during its 21 test flights. He announced at a news conference in Santa Monica on July 27 that he will launch the space plane, scale model in right foreground, on Sept. 29 to compete for the $10 million Ansari X-Prize. At center rear is Amir Ansari, whose family is a sponsor of the competition. At right rear is former space shuttle pilot Rick Searfoss, who will be chief judge of the competition."

[BenLurkin]

Ping

[Centurion2000]

Go Rutan GO ....

[devane617]

I know there was a link to a website that detailed how to invest in this venture. Has anyone checked it out? Seems like these guys are on the way to a viable alternative to NASA.

[avg_freeper]

"Our job here is to motivate kids, to tell them … your dreams can come true,"

You too can build a rocket to go into space! Right after you get one of the worlds richest men to finance you.

[Atlas Sneezed]

They can put a man in space, but they still can't make a credible toupee!

[Dead Corpse]

Everything new starts out expensive. Once popularity grows, the only way to KEEP it expensive is to get government involved.

[Frank_Discussion]

That rich man once started out as a kid. Did you have a point, or are you merely in need of extra dietary fiber?

[cripplecreek]

For appox 20 million dollars Rutan got a working vehicle that has flown successfully. That same 20 million would get NASA a stack of paper.

[Fudd]

You too can build a rocket to go into space! Right after you get one of the worlds richest men to finance you.

Rutan didn't start out this way. Getting a rich backer is the result of years of hard work on smaller projects, and a track record of success. Rutan's reputation in the aviation community is easily worth $25M.

[knarf]

Any reader of Kit Planes knows about Bert Rutan.

An excellent composite of Bert's work.

[BenLurkin]

Cool!

[knarf]

I discovered Kit Planes at my wife's gyno while she got a check up on our first son ... 18 yrs ago. Subscribed forever ... dreamed many dreams ... got so hung up on workin' and makin' a livin' .... I screwed up and never built a plane.

Still a wannabee.

Sigh ......

[avg_freeper]

No, I don't think government should be involved. Yes, I could probably use more fiber. Yes, this probably will encourage some small private space companies. Yes, Rutan is highly respected by the experimental Osh Kosh'ers. Yes, I think people should be able to spend the money they've earned however they'ed like.

But still, what he has done is not indicative of how this business will start. I mean, there are only so many of the top .00001% wealthiest people to fuel these kind of hobbies.

So what I'm saying is that we are at the "expensive hobby" stage which is all well and good. Aviation went through a similar stage which aided its growth. But the line about the boy seemed strange like, "Someday you too will own your own Superconducting Cyclotron".

[ChadGore]

http://www.scaled.com/

[Frank_Discussion]

"So what I'm saying is that we are at the "expensive hobby" stage which is all well and good. Aviation went through a similar stage which aided its growth."

I'm very glad to see you recognize that. But the point of the dreams for the boys and girls is still very valid.

Big Dreams are not impossible, and persistence does win. Work hard enough and smart enough, you can reach a goal, grab a dream. No working always results no accomplishment, even if you dream big.

Too many kids are told in various ways that some things are dreams for "other people", and Rutan and his backer are examples that what they've been told is wrong.

Yep, it's a hobby, but it won't always be so.

[avg_freeper]

No qualms from me about that. You're absolutely right. And well said I might add.

[Frank_Discussion]

Thanks. Have a good day, A_F!

[KevinDavis]

Go Burt Go!

[El Sordo]

My dad paid 900 bucks for our first VCR (~1980).

The first CD players cost about 2 grand each.

Travel across the oceans once required the backing of royalty or large bsuiness concerns.

VCR and CD players are cheap giveaway items today. Travel across the oceans can be had at whim and is in the monetary reach of almost everyone.

It might not happen in my lifetime, but before this century is out travel to the moon will be as accessible as a trip to Europe.