SpaceShipOne attempts first leg of X-Prize

SpaceShipOne has just completed its flight today. Seeking to reach an altitude of 62 miles, the ship was attempting to complete the first flight of the the two flight Ansari Prize.

Official word will be given later today on whether the flight achieved its objective.

Back in June, when SpaceShipOne became the first privately-funded 'spaceship' to reach space, the flight didn't achieve the desired altitude - though it did reach space.

Today's flight also appeared to have glitches.

Still, what a great day. What a great week. With Virgin Galactic proposing private space flights starting in just a few years, the Jetson life doesn't seem so far away.

Kudos to Richard Branson.

Sitting in Mojave (see the pics.), just a few months ago, I wondered how historic "The first privately-funded space success" would be. At that time, private spaceflights for the average Joe still seemed far away. Yet, when success was announced over loudspeakers as SpaceShipOne did a victory lap, a bolt of electricity surged through the thousands of witnesses.

While 'our' chance to reach space still seemed far away, it finally seemed possible and believable. And it seemed certain to inspire.

Now that Richard Branson has joined Paul Allen, 'our' chance seems just around the corner. Moreover, Mr. Branson's entrepreneurship will certainly inspire others to get involved.

I'll report back on the ultimate results of today's flight.