CSXT Space Shot 2004 first amateur launch to space

We were prepared to attempt a launch every day all week
Stratofox assisted with radio communications, clearing the area
Launched during first launch window, 11:12AM on Mon, May 17
Downlink telemetry failed because antennas were damaged by Mach 5.5 heating – otherwise it could have told us where it was
We initially knew it reached space because it took 8 minutes to fall back to Earth, when we heard the re-entry booms
A chartered helicopter got beacon near mountains 25 miles away, winds were too rough to get in the mountains
Then it was up to Stratofox to go find it

We were prepared to attempt a launch every day all week