XPRIZE Private Spaceflight Luminaries Gather for Reception, Discussion, Book Signing at the Museum of Flight

An evening event with best-selling author Julian Guthrie and subjects of her new book–Ansari XPRIZE cofounders Peter Diamondis and Erik Lindbergh, and SpaceShipOne pilot Brian Binnie

Ten years ago on Oct. 4, manned private spaceflight became a reality with the second and final flight of SpaceShipOne; the accomplishment also earned the SpaceShipOne team the first $10 million Ansari XPRISE. On Oct. 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. the Museum will host a reception and discussion with three major figures in the flights, and with best-selling author Julian Guthrie, whose new book chronicles the adventure. Joining Guthrie will be Ansari XPRIZE founder Peter Diamondis, cofounder Erik Lindbergh, and SpaceShipOne pilot Brian Binnie. The discussion with them will be moderated by GeekWire science and technology writer Alan Boyle. A book signing will follow the discussion. Books available on-site for purchase.

The program, “The Road to SpaceShipOne,” is one of the Museum’s “Orbit Around October” spaceflight-related events leading up to its annual Spacefest, Nov. 3-5. Tickets are $10 and available online. The event is presented with the University of Washington School of Engineering.

Media: The participants may be available for interviews Oct. 17 during the day. Accredited media may contact the Museum PR office for limited free admission plus one guest at the event.

Schedule:
5:30-6:30 p.m. Reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
6:30-6:45 p.m. Julian Guthrie
6:45-7:30 p.m. Panel discussion.
7:30-8:30 p.m. Q & A and book signings. Books will be available on-site for purchase throughout the evening.

Author Julian Guthrie
Julian Guthrie’s book, “How to Make a Spaceship: A Band of Renegades, an Epic Race, and the Birth of Private Spaceflight,” tells the story of a cast of characters who dreamed of getting to space without the government’s help. This cast includes aviators, test pilots, engineering school dropouts, NASA retirees, billionaires, and a particularly determined space geek who refused to give up on his outsized dream.

Ansari XPRIZE Background
Funded by the Ansari family, the Ansari XPRIZE challenged teams from around the world to build a reliable, reusable, privately financed, manned spaceship capable of carrying three people to 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface twice within two weeks. The prize was won by the SpaceShipOne team with its final flight on Oct. 4, 2004.

For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org