The scramble to be the first to put ordinary tourists in space is on. While private space pioneers paid $20-million for the privilege of spending a week at the International Space Station, those who have a mere $200 000 to spare can set their sights on an hour or so in sub-orbital space as soon as next year. But what to wear for the occasion when you walk up, or down, the gantry and have the eyes -- and perhaps cameras -- of the world upon you? Orbital Outfitters has the answer: the IS3C, the first commercially available sub-orbital space suit. The suit was designed by Chris Gilman, a Hollywood special effects guru who has designed spacesuits for movies such as Space Cowboys and Deep Impact. Gilman is backed by a team of aeronautical engineers and space-medicine experts. Orbital Outfitters (OO) is one of a slew of small companies in the “New Space" movement, often staffed by ex-Nasa scientists determined to see many people in space in the next decade.

Murders, misdemeanor battery cases fill dockets at courthouse

In addition to the felony murder charges, Hall also faces 17 other counts, including attempted murder, driving under the influence, unlawfully taking a vehicle, evading and assaulting a peace officer and assault with a deadly weapon by means likely to produce great bodily injury. At the time of the crashes, records show Hall was on probation for battery on a sheriff's deputy.

Hall faces a possible sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted.

At the Antelope Valley juvenile courthouse, one family will be protesting bright and early, hoping to get their message across to the courts that teens who commit murder should be tried as adults.

A fitness hearing is scheduled today to determine whether two minors are fit to be tried as adults for the murder of a 22-year-old Palmdale man.

Former Scottsdale apartment complex in limbo

A downtown Scottsdale apartment complex that was slated to be razed for a high-rise condo project continues to sit dark and vacant, leading to speculation that the owner is looking to unload the property.

Should the opportunity arise to sell rather than redevelop, well consider it, said James Petersen, ICPs marketing director. But at the present time, we continue to view Orchidtree as an incredibly important redevelopment piece to the future of downtown Scottsdale.

Table Talk

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