I might be wrong, but I think John Carmack's project was to ultimately create something that could be viable for the XPrize, mentioned above. Not sure, but memory seems to tell me that.

EDIT - I just checked and it looks like yes indeed, he was one of the entrants in the XPrize contest.

I had massive problems watching the webcast, but saw the
drop and ignition of the engine at least. Great stuff! Sign me up!

Neato - don't know how much longer they'll have this up, but on this topic, check out Google's home page...

http://www.google.com/

I see nothing special there (anymore?)

Weird, I still see it - they've switched out their standard google logo for a new one with the SpaceShipOne and a little flying saucer with aliens in it. Kind of like how they do on holidays and during the olympics. Perhaps this is regional depending on the nation you're viewing from.

Can you take a screenshot for me and e-mail it to me? (or save
the picture directly and mail me that). Would be great.

ALl this is great, and as a sailplane pilot, I am really excited. But I would like to point out, that there is a non-commercial aircraft that has been reaching "astronaut" altitudes for decades.

The blackbird.

They still won't officially state what it's ceiling is, but the pilots do get astronaut wings. Same as shuttle pilots.

Richard - the point of the XPrize isn't to be the first spacecraft of its kind, but rather to be the first privately made spacecraft of its kind. Government or military made devices would defeat the purpose of this competition, which is essentially to promote privatized space travel.

To quote from the site: "The ANSARI X PRIZE is a $10,000,000 prize to jumpstart the space tourism industry through competition..."

Rob, here you go:
http://www.theseventhlevel.net/images/GoogleXPrize.gif

Thanks Imran!