and the problem we face. Maybe the first next generation vehicle should be named "S.S. Conundrum" when it is finally built. The one hope with the X-Prize is that the first team to succeed well make just enough money on their high altitude parachute ride to convince someone else to build a bigger toy that can go a little higher and stay up a little longer. If this process can be repeated several times, then we will have a serious vehicle to take us off this rock for good.

Maybe then someone like Donald Trump or Disney will get involved. I can see it now, go to Six Flags and ride the "Marvin the Martian" ride into orbit. It's a real blast.

Lee