The race is on - first private launch from Fla in 2006?
Mar 9, 2005 17: 02 EST
The XPrize competitor and private space travel outfitter AERA corp (XPrize American Astronautics), founded by space veteran Bill Sprague, has signed up with US Air Force to use Cape Canaveral in Florida for take-off. The 7 person rocket, "Altairis" is scheduled to be unveiled in New York City in April 2005.
Ready to fly in 11 months
Not only are they the first private space tour organizers to sign up a launch port, they claim that they might be ready to fly as soon as February 15, 2006.
There are currently a dozen competitors on the market. Some don't mind the wait according to the old wisdom: "You'll know the pioneers by the arrows in their backs."
Tomorrow already here
Others instead, such as AERA, Virgin, SpaceX, and Bigelow are all racing to be the first winners of the emerging space tourism market. As for the rest of us - the science fiction of tomorrow could be here already in 11 months.
AERO is founded by Bill Sprague (Chairman, CEO, and Chief Scientist), and operated by Lewis Reynold(President and COO). Sprague has 30 years in aerospace management and engineering in rocket propulsion, launch vehicle development, and spaceflight from concept through engineering development, testing, deployment, and operation.
Reynolds is a banker who joined AERA Corporation after arranging a significant venture capital investment for the company. His responsibilities include capital funding and investor relations, financial and administrative operations, media and public relations, and strategic planning, alliances and joint ventures.
Image of Bill Sprague, courtesy of AERA website.
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