[r9etb]

I think the point is to fund the development of lightweight man-rated rocket engines ... note that the “X-Prize” folks are behind this.

I guess my complaint is that there is absolutely nothing new about it -- it's a publicity gimmick. Pretty cool, of course, but it's not ground-breaking in any real sense.

[ArrogantBustard]

but it's not ground-breaking in any real sense.

That remains to be seen. I'm aware of those historical artifacts, and of much more advanced historical artifacts.

But small man-rated rocket engine development got stalled ... These folks are trying to re-start it. In the private sector.

I see that as a good thing.

YMMV