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Giant leap for geek-kind
Today, SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X Prize by becoming the first commercial craft to reach “space” twice in one week. The psychological transformative power of this event didn’t really sink in until I just wrote “space” in the last sentence and realized that that word doesn’t make a whole lot of sense anymore. I haven’t been this excited about a technological achievement since…well, since the NASA Mars Rovers from earlier this year. Or maybe Cassini. Ok, so I’m highly space-excitable. There’s that strange word again.
No, this is way more exciting; my dreams of being a NASA astronaut ended years ago when I forced myself to admit that they’re never going to need a “SQL Specialist” on the space station. But being a boorish and out-of-place tourist? That’s practically my life’s work.
Anyhoo, I’ve just signed up to be first in line when Virgin Galactic starts flying. Maybe if I save up all of my frequent-flyer miles between now and then I can score a free trip. If you think I’m kidding, you haven’t seen my frequent flyer activity.
October 4, 2004 | Permalink
Comments
That's funny, dude. This really is an superamazing story. And the contraption is so DYI Buck Rodgers! They ought to consider releasing it in kit form so we can build one in our garage.
Sorry, random comment out of the blue.
Posted by: Colin from Bklyn | Oct 11, 2004 7:16:33 AM
