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Marc's note: NASA's Centennial Challenge for Power Beaming AKA the Space Elevator Games is now broadcasting live. Three teams are competing for up to $2 million in prize money. It is believed that one or more of the teams will win at least level one and perhaps level two prize money. The Spaceward Foundation organized and manages the event for NASA.
Marc's Update: The KC Space Pirates did not qualify in the morning window for either of the prizes. However Lasermotive of Seattle has officially qualified for the level 1 prize of $900,000 in their first window of the competition this afternoon. They are currently attempting another climb trying to qualify for the level 2 prize of $1.1 million. Other teams will have an opportunity to share in the prize money. To get a share of level 1 teams have to climb the 1 kilometer tether at an average of 2 meters per second and 5 meters per second for the level two prize.
Marc's Update: Competition is done for the day with Lasermotive having qualified for level 1 prize money of $900,000. The competition continues tomorrow through Friday.
Lasermotive Wins Share of the NASA Sponsored Power Beaming Challenge, The Space Elevator Reference (with video)
"The NASA sponsored Power Beaming Challenge, also known as the Space Elevator Games, is guaranteed to give out some prize money this year after a stellar performance by Team Lasermotive in the first day of the competition."
I was able to catch the KC Space Pirates making their attempts Thursday. After getting everything up in the air and set up to make an attempt, a T-38 training mission caused a 45 minute or so delay. After the delay, the Pirates were able to make some climbing attempts. I counted 4 serious climbing attempts, with a couple aborted starts. Unfortunately, they weren't able to keep the climber going up past about the 2 minute 45 second mark. It wasn't clear why that was, but loss of tracking is a good bet.
There's still one more day Friday. I'll try to catch some of it live. Thanks to Marc for the updates.