A whole new race into space
By Charles W. Petit
Posted 5/30/04
Page 3 of 3
Rocket men
The Ansari X Prize challenges private teams of rocket engineers to launch three individuals to an altitude of at least 62 miles twice within two weeks to win a $10 million prize.
[Drawing labels]
Space shuttle and ISS orbits 200+ miles
First American in space: Alan Shepard aboard Freedom 7 116.5 miles
X-PRIZE MINIMUM ALTITUDE 62 miles
Commercial aircraft 7.8 miles (41,000 feet)
Source: X Prize Foundation
Stephen Rountree--USN&WR
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