posted 04-15-2004 10:11 AM               

Beyond-Earth Enterprises, a Colorado Springs-based small payload sub-orbital launch company, announces MissionOne, the first space-related commercial product offerings geared toward the average American household. The MissionOne consumer-based launch will be in the Fall 2004.

MissionOne allows a customer to send a small item, such as a photograph or other keepsake, to space and then be returned to the customer. By announcing now, consumers will have the opportunity to send in their keepsakes before the Fall launch and get them back in time for the Christmas gift-giving season.

Beyond-Earth founder and CEO Joe Latrell says "People have always been interested in Space. Now they can experience the thrill of space flight for a very reasonable price. What a great way for parents and grandparents to reach out to their children and grandchildren about their own dreams about going to space!"

Consumers will be able to track their keepsakes through a special website and will be able to watch the launch through a webcast of the event. All products include a certificate of launch and return the launched item to the consumer.

These products are available through the Beyond-Earth eCommerce site for delivery during the 2004 Christmas season. Special offers are available at the company's online store for a limited time.

About the MissionOne Flight Kit

Simple but powerful, a space kit allows you to send a photo, a printed page or small flat object such as a business card into space. The customer orders the kit, places their item into a plastic sleeve then ships the product back to Beyond-Earth postage paid. The flight team records their information and loads the item into transport modules for the flight into space.

The customer is notified of the launch day via email or postcard. On launch day, customers can tune into a live webcast of flight. When the modules are retrieved, the items are returned to the customer along with a certificate of flight. Retail price on a Flight Kit is $149.95. Significant savings are available at the website for a limited time.

About Beyond-Earth Enterprises - Originally an X-Prize competitor, Beyond-Earth is leading the way to commercialization of space by providing small payload launch capabilities at affordable rates.

Beyond-Earth officers are committed to revitalizing the American public's interest in Space and conducts educational demos and lectures at area schools. The company is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with launch facilities through the Oklahoma Space Port.