Event Kicks Off October 26 In Alamogordo, NM

The upcoming 2007 Wirefly X Prize Cup is the first ever Air & Space Expo with "live" fire/fly demonstrations and competitions. The X Prize Foundation and Holloman Air Force Base have teamed up for this historic event -- and event organizers tell ANN not a moment will go by where an airplane or rocket is not taking off or landing.

The public event is free and will be held on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some notable attractions at the 2007 Wirefly X Prize Cup include:

• The Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge: For 12 months, eight teams from around the US have been racing the clock to prepare for this year's Challenge. Finally, the competition comes to a boil with $2 million on the line.
• The 2007 Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award: The 10 finalists will have their submissions on display, with winners to be named during the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday.
• The F-22 Raptor: The F117 Nighthawk's replacement will debut at Holloman Air Force Base, its eventual new home.
• The Red Bull Air Force: The world famous Red Bull Aerobatic Helicopter and SkyDivers will be performing in the skies above Holloman.
• The NASA Exhibit: NASA will be bringing a full-size, inflatable Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), a 30-foot-tall Space Shuttle Stack, and a tent full of other space-related exhibits.

Other attractions at the 2007 Wirefly X Prize Cup include the StarChaser Rocket, exhibits by RocketPlane Kistler and the Rocket Racing League, airshow performances by the Trojan Phlyers, and several announcements by aerospace and space-related companies.

The Wirefly X Prize Cup is the result of a partnership between the X Prize Foundation and the State of New Mexico to build the world's first true rocket festival.

FMI: www.xprizecup.com