Kristian von Bengtson of Copenhagen Suborbitals discusses how they hold down costs in their pursuit of manned space launch: Low Cost Research and Development Dogmas for a DIY Manned Space Program – Wired Science/Wired.com.

Our mission is to launch a human being into space. Not to invent or discover new technologies or justify our existence as incubators for business or companies to evolve their capabilities, like NASA or ESA. We stand on the shoulders of giants and dig deep into the vast ocean of knowledge in which we are floating (sometimes almost drowning).

This project is not possible without the Internet which provides both knowledge and general outreach to all of you. Naturally we seek as much information as possible, on all matters in this space endeavor and even ask readers for solutions and ideas. The globe is packed with brilliant minds, like you. Work it right, and the open source approach becomes mighty powerful.