2004-06-21

The Penultimate Frontier

Today was the day that SpaceShipOne, piloted by Mike Melvill completed its first flight outside the earth's atmosphere to become the first privately funded manned spacecraft. If the feat can be repeated within a fortnight, the X Prize can be claimed. This is one of the coolest (in a geeky sort of way) things I can remember happening -- and the spacecraft and launch vehicle look amazingly cool too.

It's interesting that this project was funded largely by Paul Allen, who seems to have devoted his life to using his money in a way that so many geeks would want to -- I understand he also footed the bill for a reproduction Babbage difference engine. Kudos, Paul.

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