Wirefly X-Prize Cup 2006: Countdown

Just a little more than two days until the start of the second annual X-Prize Cup in New Mexico.

Around 20,000 people are expected at the two-day event which will spotlight some of the latest private aerospace technology currently being designed. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by lunar landers; rockets of all shapes and sizes; unveiling of the X-Racer; jet packs and much, much more.
No, we at SpaceBlog Alpha aren't getting paid to endorse the X-Prize Cup, but we are jealous of those who get to go...

Astronomers Prepare for Dazzling Meteor Shower

Space.com is reporting some meteor scientists are claiming the upcoming Leonid Meteor shower (Nov. 18) will be a bright, albeit brief display, producing as many 200 "shooting stars" in an hour. They also have a nice story on photographing meteor showers.
Best viewing will be in Western Europe, eastern North America, or just about any ship at sea in the North Atlantic...

In Case You Missed It: First Commercial US Spaceport Launch -- Fails!

The Spaceport XL Rocket slated to be the first launched from Spaceport America in New Mexico failed to reach a sub-orbital altitude during its Sept. 27 launch, but the significance of the event is no less.
UP Aerospace was behind the launch. The company claims it can reduce the cost of launch by as much as 95 percent although so far, no cargo has been successfully lofted. Investors continue to support the science and the business plan, and engineers are certain they will return to flight in short order.
They remain optimistic that the full slate of four successful launches for 2006 will happen.

If so, Space, will officially be open for business.