Space Age about to begin...

[Dude_Doc]

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/09/29/xprize.teams.ap/index.html

Well, private companies doesn't seem so bad after all, or do they?

[Gobalopper]

Here is another good article from Wired I read this summer:

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.07/space_pr.html

[nemafakei]

Don't forget the recent European effort!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3136004.stm

[Dunenewt]

Has anyone heard of the X-prize?

http://www.xprize.org/

[Gobalopper]

Err Newt that is what this whole thread is about...

[Edric O]

Hmmm, I already knew about the X-Prize. But I did not know they they expected to have a winner so soon.

However, I'm afraid this won't change anything. It's a noble effort, but it still doesn't make space profitable.

[Caid Ivik]

Is it only me, or have I seen really John Carmack between those pioneers?

[exatreide]

No he is really into space exploration as well as making FPS, actully he said this might be the last dune or qauke game he makes under his name if he decides just fo focuss on space.

[Dunenewt]

Bristol Spaceplanes Ascender Craft is looking quite good, and is based only a few miles from where I live. 8) Might pay them a visit sometime.

[Timenn]

Space race is good. It SHOULD unite people, and stop fighting, and look up to the sky and wonder what is out there.

But maybe a view in space will give people the feeling that there is enough space to share it with everyone.

About that European project to the moon, I believe they are trying to set a record for the longest duration for a trip to the moon. They use some kind of Ion Engine. But I forgot why that was...

[Dunenewt]

The Ion Drive graually builds up speed until propelling the craft to near the speed of light.

[Timenn]

Yes, but wat is the need of an ion engine for such a "small" trip to the moon? I mean, are there more advantages then that?

[ordos45]

Its also more fuel efficient than American craft if I remember right. Of course, that is if you don't have the blunder our ion engine satellite did and lose power to drift forever.

[Dude_Doc]

Actually, one Swede wants to build a house on the moon, or rather, wanted, because this project is underway as we speak. That's right, around 2008, we will have our first building on another body in space. Of course, it won't be anything like Star Trek or something, but about one room, some windows, a door and a roof. It is called "modern art" hehe... ;)

[Acriku]

That's going to be a bit complicated.