This has got to be the most exciting advancement in the non-government sponsored space race.  Funded by Microsoft founder Paul Allen ... first attempt tomorrow to launch and complete a 100km high MANNED sub-orbital mission...

http://www.scaled.com/projects/tierone/index.htm

That totally kicks ass ... i hope it is a successful mission ... this will pave the way to commercial manned space travel in the decades to come.

Cost of funding $20 million, XPrize (if won) $10 million, ability to take civilian passengers into space will eventually EASILY make up the $10 million deficit.

Mucho Kudos.