Full Version: SpaceShipOne Apparently Wins Prize
QUOTE(Foxnews)
The plane took off from a desert runway early Monday, slung to the belly of a carrier plane with a test pilot at the wheel. It was released at about 46,000 feet and fired its rockets to continue to an altitude of just over 62 miles — generally considered to be the point where the Earth's atmosphere ends and space begins.
Radar confirmation of the rocket's peak altitude was expected soon after landing, but a crowd of thousands of enthusiasts on the ground began celebrating as soon as SpaceShipOne appeared to exceed the minimum requirement.
<snip>
If the altitude of 368,000 feet is confirmed, the backers will claim the Ansari X Prize, a $10 million award that goes to the first privately built, manned rocket ship to fly in space twice in a span of two weeks. (source)
Radar confirmation of the rocket's peak altitude was expected soon after landing, but a crowd of thousands of enthusiasts on the ground began celebrating as soon as SpaceShipOne appeared to exceed the minimum requirement.
<snip>
If the altitude of 368,000 feet is confirmed, the backers will claim the Ansari X Prize, a $10 million award that goes to the first privately built, manned rocket ship to fly in space twice in a span of two weeks. (source)
Topics of debate:
Will SpaceShipOne win the X Prize?
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
Will SpaceShipOne win the X Prize?
According to the news, it's been officially announced that it indeed did win the X Prize. They said it would be formally awarded in St. Louis on 6Nov.
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
I think it's a remarkable achievement and certainly a demonstration of what is possible for the human spirit for those willing to dream big dreams. But, I don't think this flight added significantly to the science or technology of space flight.
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
A sub-orbital flight like this is most certainly possible and probably economically feasible. We're probably not that far off from something like that. Going into orbit though is a whole new thing, and we're not close to that on a commercial basis at this point. But, who knows? People can do remarkable things.
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
The primary benefit is that it sparks the imagination and kindles dreams in people. Just when it seems there are no new frontiers left for pioneers, someone like Burt Rutan comes along and does something like this. All of a sudden it dawns on other dreamers that maybe there is still something for me to do "out there" and they look for it. That's a good thing I think for the human species, it's the kind of thing we were designed to do.
According to the news, it's been officially announced that it indeed did win the X Prize. They said it would be formally awarded in St. Louis on 6Nov.
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
I think it's a remarkable achievement and certainly a demonstration of what is possible for the human spirit for those willing to dream big dreams. But, I don't think this flight added significantly to the science or technology of space flight.
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
A sub-orbital flight like this is most certainly possible and probably economically feasible. We're probably not that far off from something like that. Going into orbit though is a whole new thing, and we're not close to that on a commercial basis at this point. But, who knows? People can do remarkable things.
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
The primary benefit is that it sparks the imagination and kindles dreams in people. Just when it seems there are no new frontiers left for pioneers, someone like Burt Rutan comes along and does something like this. All of a sudden it dawns on other dreamers that maybe there is still something for me to do "out there" and they look for it. That's a good thing I think for the human species, it's the kind of thing we were designed to do.
What this most importantly does is show that private enterprise in this arena is very definetely affordable. Will this start a mad rush?? Not yet.
But they will come, and they WILL find markets and niches and it will build.
Kinda makes me sad to be around mid life so early in this particular timeline.
He said it perfectly!
But they will come, and they WILL find markets and niches and it will build.
Kinda makes me sad to be around mid life so early in this particular timeline.
QUOTE
The primary benefit is that it sparks the imagination and kindles dreams in people. Just when it seems there are no new frontiers left for pioneers, someone like Burt Rutan comes along and does something like this. All of a sudden it dawns on other dreamers that maybe there is still something for me to do "out there" and they look for it. That's a good thing I think for the human species, it's the kind of thing we were designed to do.
He said it perfectly!
QUOTE(christopher @ Oct 4 2004, 10:53 AM)
What this most importantly does is show that private enterprise in this arena is very definetely affordable.
Private enerprise? This project was funded by billionaires, and Virgin (did you see the Virgin logo on the side of the jet). This is still a long way from being within the reach of normal mortals. This is a good start, but we still have a long way t o go...
Welcome NLAngel. Please do not post one-liners. They are not constructive and therefore, against the Rules. Also, please use normal text unless you need to emphasize something. 
TOPICS:
Will SpaceShipOne win the X Prize?
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
TOPICS:
Will SpaceShipOne win the X Prize?
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
Will SpaceShipOne win the X Prize?
Yep, and have.
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
I do not believe that it will be as significant as say the Apollo missions. However it is a "significant step" for mankind. Certianly something that will go down in history books as a remarkable achievment in making space travel more affordable or even just "affordable" in the long run which will provide benefits to mankinds progress.
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
Of course. This is simply an unavoidable reality due to the nature of humans.
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
Human achievments progress in steps. Setbacks are necessary to progress due to the knowledge that humans aquire from them. The computer has been a process in the making for hundreds of years with theories and accomplishments stacked up on top of each other linked to one another. We cannot comprehend what is right in front of us even if it seems to be common sense. The steam engine was invented long before it was put to transportational uses but at the time was seen as a meer toy. We couldnt simply concieve to connect a band/rope/whatever to the "toy" in order to produce an "engine". All of the "answers" are directly in front of every one of us each day. You look at the secrets of the universe everytime you wake up but cannot understand them until logic is able to comprehend them which always brings even more questions. Every achievement and setback is a step though some more productive and insightful than others where it places an importance to our understanding of our surroundings so it can be taught to others to provide insight.
This is one of those steps that will provide insight into a future that will span generations.
Yep, and have.
Is this a significant leap for humankind?
I do not believe that it will be as significant as say the Apollo missions. However it is a "significant step" for mankind. Certianly something that will go down in history books as a remarkable achievment in making space travel more affordable or even just "affordable" in the long run which will provide benefits to mankinds progress.
Will commercial flights into space that are economically viable become a reality?
Of course. This is simply an unavoidable reality due to the nature of humans.
How will this achievement benefit humankind?
Human achievments progress in steps. Setbacks are necessary to progress due to the knowledge that humans aquire from them. The computer has been a process in the making for hundreds of years with theories and accomplishments stacked up on top of each other linked to one another. We cannot comprehend what is right in front of us even if it seems to be common sense. The steam engine was invented long before it was put to transportational uses but at the time was seen as a meer toy. We couldnt simply concieve to connect a band/rope/whatever to the "toy" in order to produce an "engine". All of the "answers" are directly in front of every one of us each day. You look at the secrets of the universe everytime you wake up but cannot understand them until logic is able to comprehend them which always brings even more questions. Every achievement and setback is a step though some more productive and insightful than others where it places an importance to our understanding of our surroundings so it can be taught to others to provide insight.
This is one of those steps that will provide insight into a future that will span generations.
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