Amateur Rocket Space Launch Scheduled For the Week of May 17, 2004.

Travel Writers/Science Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2004

The Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT) www.civilianspace.com has received approval from the U.S. Government to conduct a historic space launch within two weeks. "We're confident that our Space Shot 2004 GoFast Rocket will be the first rocket built by amateurs to be launched into space," says CSXT founder, Ky Michaelson.

The CSXT team is comprised of 18 rocket and space enthusiasts from across the country, and led by Program Manager Jerry Larson. Larson commented, "I am proud to be part of a group of such talented and resourceful people -- the team is destined to win the amateur space race."

"This will be a great milestone for civilian rocketry," says project co-leader and avionics team manager, Eric Knight, who has designed a state-of-the-art avionics package that provides real-time video and tracking information -- including engine performance, speed, and altitude.

The 21-foot GoFast rocket will reach a speed of over 4,000 MPH in less than 9 seconds and reach beyond the international definition of space of 100 km or 62 miles. The launch will take place in Black Rock Desert, Nevada.

The GoFast rocket is sponsored by Go Fast Sports (www.gofastsports.com) and Fuscient, LLC (www.fuscient.com).