Two Space Developments

While preparing for the inaugural launch of the Falcon 1 launch vehicle scheduled for the week after next, SpaceX has revealed its plans for a manned orbital vehicle. Here are reports at SpaceRef.com and Space News.

Meanwhile, Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine published an intriguing report about what might be, or might have been, a hidden space program called "Black Star". There is skepticism, and even Aviation Week itself says "iron-clad confirmation that meets AW&ST standards has remained elusive." If it is accurate, it means that there are at least a few unnamed pilots who are members of a never revealed 'astronaut corps' who have shared the experience of flying in space.