QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the ANSARI X PRIZE?
It is a $10 million prize for the first privately-built vehicle that can carry three adults into space and return safely to Earth, then repeat the flight within two weeks. Twenty-seven teams from seven nations have registered to compete for the ANSARI X PRIZE. Each team has taken a different technological approach to solving the challenge. More than a dozen teams around the globe are now building, testing and flying hardware.
What’s the purpose of the ANSARI X PRIZE?
To speed the day when we’ll be able to travel into space the way we travel on commercial airliners. To show the world that space need not be the exclusive domain of government. To inspire a new generation of heroes. To teach our children that dreams can come true. To bring the entrepreneurial spirit of people like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison to the domain of space. To open up the last great frontier to all people, and bring the benefits of space-bound energy and resources to Earth. To spark the birth of the private commercial space industry, in the same way that the Orteig Prize, won by Charles Lindbergh, sparked the birth of the private aviation industry… These are the many purposes of the ANSARI X PRIZE.
What is the difference between preferred and auto parking passes?
The preferred parking pass offers entry to the airport through the back gate, the same as the VIP\\\\\'s and event staff.
The parking area is considerably closer to the center of the action. Actually it is adjacent to the VIP area. However there are no VIP privileges. This lot is limited to 500 cars. The general parking pass has 4500 spaces and is a less desirable viewing area than the preferred area.
Is there wheel chair accesibility?
There is some paved
area in the general viewing area, but none in the preferred area. Both are flat areas which can accommodate wheel chairs but the terrain is not ideal. There will be wheel chair accessible toilets as well as concessions at both locations. Ask the parking volunteers to allow you to park nearby the wheel chair accessible restroom areas. You can view the
launch adjacent to your vehicle. All vehicles must have an X Prize parking pass. A handicap placard is not sufficient to gain access to the event.
Who will make the first attempt? Who’s behind this team?
You are invited to come to Mojave, California to watch the ANSARI X PRIZE flight attempts by the American Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team a partnership between Scaled Composites (www.scaled.com), Paul G. Allen and Burt Rutan. You probably saw the news of the historic flight of Scaled’s vehicle, SpaceShipOne, as it soared into space on June 21st, 2004. SpaceShipOne was created by legendary aviation designer Burt Rutan and funded by entrepreneur Paul G. Allen. Their June 21st flight was a precursor to winning the $10 million prize. On September 29th, and again sometime between October 4th- through the 13th, in the skies over Mojave, the American Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team will attempt the launches necessary to win the ANSARI X PRIZE. Your parking pass will give you access to a special general public viewing area at the airport.
What am I likely to see?
White Knight with SpaceShipOne slung underneath will taxi by the general public viewing area. A few minutes later, you’ll see them take off. For a few minutes early in the flight, you can see them circling overhead as they climb. It takes the “mated pair” of vehicles roughly one hour to reach 47,000 feet a few miles to the northeast. That is where White Knight releases SpaceShipOne. They are generally easy to follow since the White Knight and its chase planes usually make contrails. SpaceShipOne glides for a few seconds, and then the pilot ignites the rocket and you’ll be able to see the fiery rocket exhaust trail for about 80 seconds.
From that point, SpaceShipOne’s flight lasts about 25 minutes. It will rocket to space, spend roughly three minutes weightless, then re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in what is known as a high-drag configuration. It will glide back toward Mojave, circle overhead, and land on the same runway from which it took off. If SpaceShipOne’s re-entry direction is aimed away from the airport, two soft sonic booms may be heard. White Knight usually lands a short while after SpaceShipOne.
Can I attend both ANSARI X PRIZE launch attempts?
If you buy your parking pass on-line or by phone prior to the event, it is good for all launch attempts. Do not discard it after the first launch – this is the only pass you will get and you will need it for access to the second launch. It takes two successful flights to 100 KM to win the prize. You can come to the first, the second, or both. If the first goes well, we don’t need to tell you how dramatic the second will be!
Refund Policy: Parking pass is good for all X PRIZE launch attempts at the Mojave Airport in 2004 including attempts re-scheduled due to inclement weather. There will no refunds provided if at least one launch attempt is made. The success or lack of success of any launch attempt does not obligate X PRIZE to provide a refund. Refunds will be made only if the competition is cancelled before any launch attempt is made.
NO REFUNDS will be issued for a lost or damaged. A launch attempt is defined as a rollout of the space vehicle from the hangar in preparation for flight. If weather or mechanical conditions prohibit take off, then such activity will be considered a launch attempt. Under no circumstances will a refund be made after the first launch attempt.
X PRIZE reserves the right to change the schedule to include the date and timing of such launch at any time. Access to the parking area cannot be guaranteed after 5:30 AM on the day of the scheduled launch. If the launch is postponed beyond 2004, X PRIZE reserves the right to issue a new vehicle pass in exchange for the 2004 event(s) vehicle pass in lieu of offering a refund.
When will I receive my parking pass?
Passes will be mailed to you on or before September 20th, about 10 days prior to the first launch which is scheduled for September 29th.
What time will I be allowed entry for parking the morning before the flight? What time should I arrive?
The gate will open at 3 a.m. You should plan to park and arrive no later than 5:30 a.m. We expected a sizeable crowd so arrive early. The takeoff of White Knight will occur at about 7:00am, right in front of the public viewing area. You won’t want to miss it! Fly-ins are not permitted
How long will I be there?
The flight itself will take approximately one and a half hours, but you should plan to arrive at least two hours early. If the flight is on schedule, the takeoff roll will occur at 7am, rocket motor ignition at approximately 8am and landing at 8:30am. It will take some time for an official altitude determination to be made. Don’t forget that this is a research and development flight and could be delayed by some number of hours for weather or technical reasons.
Why does the flight take place so early?
Mojave is a windy place. It’s less likely to be windy very early in the morning. That makes for better flying and launch conditions. An additional benefit is that the low sun angle allows better spectator viewing of the high-altitude boost to space.
Is there any chance that the flight might be canceled or delayed?
Yes. As with any flight test activity, weather is an important factor. High winds or very cloudy conditions could change our flight plans. In addition, flights can be delayed for technical reasons. You should visit www.xprize.org for updates regularly. Check the website the morning of each launch to make sure it’s still on.
What should I bring to the launch?
The rocket flight to space is visible with the naked eye, but binoculars may give an even better view. Sunglasses and caps or hats with a large brim will provide your eyes with some relief. Early mornings in the desert can be chilly, so wear some layers you can peel off as the day warms up.
Are cameras permitted?
Yes.
Will there be food and drink available?
There will be food and drink concessions as well as exclusive merchandise and collectibles for sale in the viewing area.
What services are available in Mojave?
Mojave is a small town with limited resources. There are several service stations, several restaurants, fast food establishments, and a grocery store.
Please Note
Space flight is an inherently unpredictable and extremely risky endeavor. There is some likelihood that desert winds and/or unforeseen technical problems with the vehicle could delay the launch for several hours, or even a day or longer. While SpaceShipOne and White Knight have gone through years of testing and many successful launches and test flights, there is never a guarantee that every flight will go as planned.
IMPORTANT
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUR WEBSITE REGULARLY PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LAUNCH IS PLANNED TO GO AS SCHEDULED. WE WILL NOT NOTIFY YOU OF ANY CHANGES IN THE LAUNCH SCHEDULE. PLEASE CHECK THE SITE REGULARLY, ESPECIALLY PRIOR TO MAKING THE TRIP TO MOJAVE. ALSO, NOTE THAT THE LAUNCHES COULD BE CANCELLED OR DELAYED AT ANY MOMENT UP TO THE TIME OF LAUNCH. WHILE THE LAST FOUR TEST LAUNCHES HAVE GONE ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE, PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS OR POSTPONEMENTS IN THE EVENTS AS THEY HAPPEN.
Check www.xprize.org
Regularly for Updates.
Plan to arrive at least two hours before the scheduled launch time. Launch dates and times are subject to change on short notice. Check this website regularly, including the morning of the launches.
