X Prize Foundation—Launching a Revolution...

The X Prize Cup's logo illustrating their dedication to spur innovation towards getting Man back on the moon.
This year’s X Prize Cup will see three new contests—the Vertical Rocket Challenge, the Space Elevator Games, and the Lunar Lander Challenge.

BIG Images continues it's efforts to better serve the airshow industry. We recently completed our first major project for the X Prize Foundation.


When SpaceShip One rocketed to space on October 4, 2004, not only was it the first private manned spacecraft to exceed an altitude of 328,000 feet twice within a 14 day period, it also was the winner of the $10 million Ansari X Prize.

That was only the beginning. According to the X Prize Cup web page, “We didn't just launch a spaceship, we launched a revolution,” and this year, they plan to raise the stakes. On October 20-21, 2006, privately funded teams will compete for $2.5 million in prizes in three different competitions: the Lunar Lander Challenge, the Vertical Rocket Challenge and the Space Elevator Games

The X Prize Foundation “...spurs innovation by tapping into [humanity's] competitive and entrepreneurial spirits.” BIG Images is proud to be a major part of the X Prize Foundations' marketing efforts, helping spread their dream of private space exploration to the final frontier and beyond.

The Challenge
The X Prize Foundation and Rocket Racing approached us with a need for banners to decorate their co-branded booth at AirVenture Oshkosh, the largest civilian airshow in the United States.

This booth required double-sided banner stands, tent headers and large banners for covering the inner walls of the tent.
The X Prize Foundation and Rocket Racing sharing a booth at AirVenture Oshkosh 2006
The Rocket Racing and X Prize Foundation tent at AirVenture Oshkosh.


The X Prize Foundation’s graphics proved a challenge because of their liberal use of black—every image had a rich-black background that needed to print as black as possible.

The Solution
BIG Images provided the perfect media solution; Our durable vinyl banner allowed for quick production, easy transportation, and great reusability for future shows.

Our new ink-system dramatically increases the color gamut available on outdoor vinyl, printing some of the richest, or darkest, black in the industry. Furthermore, our new ink-system creates a stronger bond with the material, making banners that will last longer in the rigorous trade-show environment.

Rocket Racing—Sport of the 21st Century

The Rocket Racing Leagues Mark-1 X-Racers. 1000lbs, 320 mph, 5 minutes to refuel.
Two rocket-powered Mark-1 X-Racers competing Grand Prix-style.


The Rocket Racing League™ is an aerospace sports and entertainment organization that combines the competition of racing with the excitement of rocketry. The RRL was established by X–Prize founder Peter Diamandis and two–time Indianapolis 500 champion team partner Granger Whitelaw to advance the technology and increase public awareness of space travel. The NASCAR–style racing league features rocket–powered aircraft that will be flown by top pilots through a 'three–dimensional track way' at venues throughout the world. With millions of fans who enjoy racing and air shows, and an even wider audience enthralled with humanity's next step into space, rocket racing is destined to become the future of racing! —From the Rocket Racing web page.

The Challenge
The Rocket Racing League's tent at AirVenture Oshkosh sporting double sided banner stands and tent headers printed by BIG Images San Luis Obispo, Ca.
The Rocket Racing tent at AirVenture Oshkosh, 2006 with double sided banner stand and tent headers.

Rocket Racing and the X–Prize Foundation approached BIG Images to supply banners for their co–branded booth at AirVenture Oshkosh. With attendance between 200,000–300,000 people, it is the largest civilian airshow in the United States.

The co–branded booth required banners of matching proportions, double-sided banner stands, tent headers, and large banners to cover the inner walls of their tent.

In addition, we were able to push the extreme edges of the CMYK color space to deliver the bright and vibrant colors found in the Rocket Racing brand.

BIG Images double sided banner stand beneath the wing of a C-130 Hercules
Double sided banner stand beneath the wing of a C-130 Hercules.

The Solution
BIG Images had the perfect media solution for them: our durable vinyl banner allowed for quick production, easy transportation, and great reusability for future shows. To reproduce the vibrant reds and blues of their brand, BIG Images used it's new ink-system which dramatically increases the color gamut available on outdoor vinyls. Furthermore, our ink-system creates a stronger bond with the material, making banners last longer in the rigorous trade-show environment.

The Contrails Group

The Contrails Group
BIG Images shop hp 5000 ps printing banner modified g3 macintosh tower
Our DesignJet HP5000 printing posters for Team Oracle.
"My Business takes me all over the country and BIG Images' solution-based approach provides me with on–demand marketing tools wherever I am.   Their streamlined processes ensure the highest quality product, on time, every time, which allows them to focus their attention on technology, research and development, and me; the customer." —Karl Koeppen, Contrails Group

Challenge:
The Contrails Group needed an on–demand print shop to produce projects such as the 7 ft. x 10 ft. banner, capable of withstanding the rigors of the outdoor environment—sunlight, moisture, cross-country transportation, all within 20 hours.

Solution:
BIG Images utilized its custom designed production facility and inks built for outdoor use to produce this huge full – color banner in less than 20 hours.   The unique reinforced vinyl banner material is designed to withstand the test of time and outdoor elements.