21 May 2004

Amateurs break the space barrier!

The Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT) has achieved its goal of launching the first amateur rocket through the fringes of space. Preliminary results suggest that the rocket may have reached an altitude of some 112 km (70 miles).

Named "Go Fast," the rocket was built by CSXT members in six States. Some 25 members of the team gathered at the launch site in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to prepare the 6.4-meter (21 feet) long rocket for launch.

According to an Associated Press report on the CSXT web site, the launch was monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration. Citizen scientists have good reason to be pleased by the report, which cites FAA spokesman Donn Walker. According to the report, "[Walker] said CSXT is essentially engaged in a purely amateur space race but has earned the respect of federal regulators."

CSTX was founded by former Hollywood stuntman Ky Michaelson. Previous launches by CSTX failed. One rocket lost a fin. Another exploded.

To find out much more about this major development, including videos of the launch, visit the CSXT web site at www.civilianspace.com/

Forrest M. Mims III.