The X PRIZE Cup announced today that tickets are officially on sale to the public for the spectacular two-day festival dedicated to the future of space exploration. The event will be held live in Las Cruces International Airport in southern New Mexico on October 20 and 21, 2006. To purchase tickets or to see how you may be able to get a free ticket check out www.xprizecup.com.

Headlining this year’s live rocket show is the $2 million Lunar Lander Challenge presented by NASA Centennial Challenges. Not since the Apollo program has man had a working vehicle capable of landing on the moon. If we are going to go back, both NASA and private companies need a system that is robust and relatively inexpensive. Spectators will watch as different vehicle designs compete to see which one will be the next generation lunar lander.

“We are looking forward to this years X PRIZE CUP competition; this annual event allows the world to see the next generation of space vehicles and space travelers,” stated New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rick Homans. “Together we are taking the important first steps to being on the ground floor of the personal flight revolution.”

The X PRIZE Cup will also feature the Space Elevator Games this year. Several university and private teams compete to see who can build a vehicle capable of climbing up a rope using only a beam of light as power. Physics and engineering innovate right in front of the crowd as a multitude of unique mechanical projects attempt to tackle one of aerospace engineering’s most complex and difficult problems.

Other exciting activities you can expect at this year’s X PRIZE CUP:

  • High-powered rocket launches
  • Earth shaking static engine firings
  • Astronaut trainer fly-overs
  • Flight and Astronaut Simulators
  • Educational Activities for Kids
  • Chances to meet and speak with Astronauts
  • Spaceship and Robot display area

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.xprizecup.com/tickets.php or over the phone with Ticket Web at 866-468-7621. Arrive early, gates open 6AM!

Tickets for individual days cost $10 for adults and $5 for children and students (students must present valid student identification at the gate for entry).

Two-day passes cost a reduced price of $15 for adults and $10 for children and students. Children under 3 are free.

All active military personnel are eligible for a free day pass to the event (a valid military ID must be presented upon entry). Military members can call 505-541-2174 to request tickets and they can pickup their passes at will call on the day of the event.

VIP two-day packages, which include special flight line access, gourmet food throughout the day, open bar and special presentations inside the VIP area are available for $250. VIPs will have exclusive access to a fenced off VIP area at the flight line and in close proximity to the T-38 staging and Space Elevator Games.

X PRIZE Foundation

The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to bring about radical breakthroughs in space and technology for the benefit of humanity. On October 4th, 2004, the X PRIZE Foundation captured world headlines when Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by Burt Rutan and Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private craft to space twice in two weeks to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. Because of the dramatic nature of the achievement, the X PRIZE Foundation is now widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. Based on the success of the Ansari X PRIZE, The Foundation has partnered with the Economic Development Department for the state of New Mexico to produce the X PRIZE CUP.

About New Mexico’s Aerospace Industry

Clear skies, mild weather, world-renowned research labs, and a growing aerospace industry make New Mexico an ideal location for the next generation of aerospace entrepreneurs. According to Economy.com, New Mexico’s cost of doing business is among the 10 lowest of the 50 states–due largely to our competitive wages and low energy costs. New Mexico State University is starting an Aerospace Engineering Program to support the emerging space sectors in New Mexico. At the same time, we offer the infrastructure that aerospace firms need with Albuquerque International Sunport, White Sands Missile Range, two Air Force bases, many community airports, and the construction of the new $10 million Southwest Regional Spaceport in Southern New Mexico. Full details can be found at www.goNM.biz.

For more information please visit www.xprizecup.com

Contact:

X PRIZE Foundation
Ian Murphy, 310-689-6397
Lisa Cohen, 310-395-2544
press@xprize.org
www.xprizecup.com