THE X-PRIZE COMPETITION will launch from New Mexico:

SANTA FE (AP) — New Mexico has been selected to host a competition to achieve the first privately funded manned spaceflight, Gov. Bill Richardson announced Monday.

The governor said the state won over Florida, California and Oklahoma to host the X Prize Cup. The contest calls for launching a manned craft to 62.5 miles above the Earth, which is generally considered the edge of space, twice within two weeks. The craft must be able to carry three people.

The X Prize competition will give $10 million to the first company or person to successfully launch the craft.

Launches are expected early this summer.

UPDATE: This is the X-Prize Cup, which is different from the Ansari X-Prize. It’s all explained in this story by Leonard David.