Manned Private Craft Reaches Space in a Milestone for Flight

June 22, 2004 | Source: New York Times

A veteran civilian test pilot on Monday became the first human to reach space in a privately developed program, guiding a tiny rocket ship more than 60 miles above California.

“The flight today opens a new chapter in history, making space access within the reach of ordinary citizens,” said Patti Grace Smith, the associate administrator for commercial space transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration.