The government requires that taxes be paid on sub-orbital flights won in contests. Personally, I think that the government should try and encourage sub-orbital space programs by waiving taxes - but when was the last time the government did what I think they should?

Interestingly, the article mentions Rocketplane Ltd. Rocketplane, Ltd. is the company that Microsoft partnered with to give away a free sub-orbital space flight. The space craft is described as being a souped-up Leer jet. How exciting.

It must be a slow news day, because everyone is printing this article...