They said awarding the $10 million X-Prize would only be the beginning. They were right, in just over a week Space pioneers and enthuists will converge on Las Cruces, New Mexico for the first annual X Prize Cup. New Mexico won the right to host the annual X Prize Cup, after dedicating $9 million to the development of launch and landing facilities. The X-Prize founders imagine future X Prize Cup events will include rocket races, both in and out of the atmosphere.

John Carmack, creator of Doom and Quake series, will be showing off his rocket for the first time. In the past 5 years, Carmack dedicated $2.5 million of his own money to the development of Armadillo.

Tickets are for sale. $6 for adults and $2 for students.

Here are some highlights…

• XCOR Aerospace will fly a rocketplane called EZ-Rocket ­ attempting to break a world record right before your eyes
• Starchaser will ignite its 7,000-pound liquid rocket engine in a spectacle of twenty-foot flames.
• Armadillo will be firing its newest rocket engine concept. and much more!

The revolution in personal spaceflight continues at the Countdown to the X PRIZE CUP. Come join us on October 9th, 2005 in Las Cruces, NM!