Suborbital Astronauts prepare -on their own $$

This is a neat story. Several companies are preparing to launch suborbital passenger-carrying rockets. Some scientists are making sure they are ready. Eleven men and women, paying for their own training, completed a new program to prepare them as suborbital astronauts. They underwent centrifuge and altitude chamber testing in addition to classroom work. Course organizer S. Alan Stern said, "For this diverse group of scientists to invest their own time and money for astronaut training is a true testament to the growing excitement behind the science potential of new commercial spacecraft. Interest was so high that we've already filled up a second class of a dozen scientists for spring 2010."