Spaceward Games 2008

On January 16th the Spaceward Foundation released the first official news about this years Spaceward Games 2008. The press release dealt with the Power Beaming Challenge which now stands at a cool $2 million if anyone can win it. Based on last years performances a couple of teams might have a chance this year, but they'll have to take their skills up to the next level to win.

Here's some details.

Building on the results of the 2007 Challenge, the goals for 2008 have been set at 1 km height, 5 m/s minimum speed, for a prize level of $2M.

An intermediate prize level of $900k will be given for a speed of 2 m/s. Additionally, teams that can reach an altitude of 1 km at between 1 and 2 m/s will be awarded a prize of up to $50k.

The 1-km climb will be supported by a unique pyramid-anchored balloon system, providing the teams with a stable tether to climb on. Illustrations of the challenge over two potential sites are shown at www.spaceward.org/elevator2010-pb.html, showing the challenge as it would look if held over Meteor Crater in Arizona, and if held over the 2007 venue.

Here's some of the sites they are considering:

* Davis County Fairgrounds, UT
* Meteor Crater, AZ
* Bonneville Salt Flats, UT
* Albuquerque Balloon Festival, NM
* White Sands, NM
* Rockets Sites:
Brothers Rocket Site, OR
Black Rock, NV
Jean Dry lake, NV
Mansfield, WA
Tripoli Idaho Swan Falls, ID
* NASCAR raceways:
(must be away from airports!)

I think they'll have to hold the competition some place where there's less public this year considering the new parameters for the challenge.