SpaceShipOne Victorious

Media crews prepare to capture the launch of SpaceShipOne.  (Al Seib / LAT)

SpaceShipOne and its mother ship cruise down the runway.  (Al Seib / LAT)

SpaceShipOne is lifted off the runway at the Mojave Airport.  (Al Seib / LAT)

SpaceShipOne is carried over the Mojave desert before making a break for space.  (Al Seib / LAT)

Spectators follow SpaceShipOne’s ascent.  (Al Seib / LAT)

SpaceShipOne, right, separates from its launch ship and is thrust toward space.  (Al Seib / LAT)

Watching the historic flight are British billionaire Richard Branson, left, aircraft designer Burt Rutan and project financier Paul Allen.  (Al Seib / LAT)

David Moore of Redondo Beach follows the ascent of SpaceShipOne.  (Al Seib / LAT)

A chase plane follows SpaceShipOne on its return to Earth after a successful 367,442-foot ascent.  (Al Seib / LAT)

SpaceShipOne touches down at the Mojave Airport.  (Al Seib / LAT)

Pilot Brian Binnie waves an American flag after winning the Ansari X Prize competition.  (Al Seib / LAT)

Celebrating the second successful space flight are competition creator Peter Diamandis, left, Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, Brian Binnie and Richard Branson.  (Al Seib / LAT)

Enjoying celebratory champagne are Peter Diamandis, left, Paul Allen, Burt Rutan and Brian Binnie.  (Al Seib / LAT)