On 15 May 2004 15:31:59 -0700, (Paul A. Suhler)
wrote:

In an attempt to move this discussion into something useful...

A vehicle capable of satisfying the requirements for
the X-Prize would be useful for joyrides. This can
make money, but it's a limited market.

How would you envision a commercial private space
enterprise developing from this beginning?

Add an autopilot to remove the 3 crew and now you have a few hundred
pounds more payload to mess with. perhaps enough for a microsatellite
plus booster to get it the rest of the way?

Peter Kemp