First Private Manned Space Mission Tommorow

[Wearia]

Scaled Composites

http://www.xprize.com

A privately-developed rocket plane will launch into history on June 21 on a mission to become the world’s first commercial manned space vehicle. Investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen and aviation legend Burt Rutan have teamed to create the program, which will attempt the first non-governmental flight to leave the earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceShipOne will rocket to 100 kilometers (62 miles) into sub-orbital space above the Mojave Civilian Aerospace Test Center, a commercial airport in the California desert. If successful, it will demonstrate that the space frontier is finally open to private enterprise. This event could be the breakthrough that will enable space access for future generations

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Q: What date and time will the launch take place?
A: The launch is planned for June 21, 2004. We plan for very early in the morning. Currently we are planning to taxi out for takeoff at 6:30 a.m P.D.T.

I didn’t see another thread for this. This is big news.

Looks like they’ll be broadcasting on CNN, I know I’ll be watching.

[Ale]

If someone can pull this one off that´s Rutan.
The picture of the SS1 “feathering” at 200.000 feet (!!!) is downright amazing.