SEATTLE, Oct. 3, 2016--Twelve 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 XPRIZE. 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 Diamandis, cofounder Erik Lindbergh, and SpaceShipOne project manager for Paul Allen, Dave Moore. 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.

Please note that Brian Binnie, originally scheduled for the event, has had to withdraw. In his place will be SpaceShipOne project manager for Paul Allen, Dave Moore.

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.



Image: SpaceShipOne replica looms over the Space Shuttle Trainer at The Museum of Flight.


Press Releases Online
You may access Museum press releases and photos online.
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Founded in 1965, the independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, serving more than 560,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes more than 160 historically significant airplanes and spacecraft, from the first fighter plane (1914) to today's 787 Dreamliner. Attractions also include the original Boeing Company factory, and the world's only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 150,000 individuals are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission for adults is $23 on-site and $21 online. Youth 5 through 17 are $14 on-site and $13 online, youth 4 and under are free. Seniors 65 and over $19 on-site and $18 online. Groups of ten or more: $21 per adult, $13 per youth, Thanks to Wells Fargo, on the first Thursday of every month, admission is free from 5 to 9 p.m. And parking is always free. There is a full lunch menu café in the Museum and a limited menu café in the Aviation Pavilion, both operated by McCormick & Schmick's. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org

Ted Huetter
Senior Public Relations Manager
206.455.5360


Rachel Dreeben
Associate Manager, Marketing and Communications
206.768.7201