October 17, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Grand prix racing takes to the skies
By Mark Rutter

LONDON, October 17, Graphic News:  A year after SpaceShipOne claimed the $10 million X-Prize for becoming the first privately funded rocket to reach space, Prize founder Peter Diamandis has unveiled his latest scheme. Intended to stimulate the publicÕs interest in space and boost aerospace technology, the Rocket Racing League will see competitions held across the United States, with up to ten rockets racing side by side over a 3-kilometre course, 1.5 kilometres high in the sky.

After taking off from a runway, the planes will follow a three-dimensional race route, separated from each other by a safe distance. To guide the rockets around the course and avoid collisions, the pilots will use Global Positioning Systems. The first rocket planes, or ÒX-RacersÓ to compete will be built by XCOR Aerospace of California. At present, the organisers are working with the Federal Aviation Administration to acquire the necessary licenses and permits to be able to hold the races.

The planned schedule is to start with an exhibition race at the inaugural X-Prize Cup in September 2006 -- where the public can view many of the latest spacecraft. This is to be followed by six months of competitive races at two air shows, with the finals at the 2007 X-Prize Cup. It is anticipated that the competition will be expanded in 2008 to take in seven venues, and further extended to ten venues in 2009. If all goes to plan, up to one third of the races could be held outside of the United States by 2010.

Diamandis and co-founder Granger Whitelaw, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, hope the rocket racing will attract millions of motor racing fans worldwide, as well as those with an interest in space exploration. Spectators on the ground will be able to follow the competition directly through the large plumes of smoke emitted from the X-Racers. Alternatively, and perhaps more excitingly, races will be shown live on TV using cameras mounted in the cockpit and on various other parts of the planes, allowing multiple angle shots. The TV pictures will be enhanced by having the virtual three-dimensional course and other special effects visible on screen.

Revenue will be generated through corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and broadcasting rights. There will be the usual array of merchandise for sale too, based on the top planes and pilots. Soon you should also be able to organise and participate in your own rocket races in a video game based around the real races, expected to go on sale in 2007.

Commercial considerations and entertainment aside, the ultimate goal of this project is to open up space travel to the masses. Over time, new teams should enter the races with novel designs. The organisers expect this to result in the development of rocket planes able to fly at higher altitudes and race around the earthÕs orbit. Technological advances should also bring down the cost, eventually opening up the prospect of space travel for the likes of you and me, rather than just the select few.
/ENDS