The X-prize, perhaps the last vestige of the wacky days of the new economy bubble...well, other than Segway, has proven itself to be a great opportunity to get yourself killed as a private for hire astronaut:

We need to raise some more money...fix our problems and launch another low-altitude flight as soon as possible," Meier told the Associated Press. "It's a learning experience to be expected when you're developing a vehicle with [these kinds] of capabilities."