Edwards has won over rooms full of skeptical scientists who, try as they might, can find no holes in his theory and leave with a new respect for the idea. "They tend to go from skepticism to overt support," says Edwards. He has had dozens of reports sent to him by experts in various fields who, after hearing Edwards' presentation, are eager to contribute their research to the project. "We've got a couple of hundred volunteers." But that hasn't translated into actual money.

NASA has given the plan rave reviews, but has yet to offer any more financial support. Edwards has spoken to the European Space Agency and the United Nations, though neither has yet committed. He has been invited to speak to the Canadian Space Agency, but has not yet done so. He could IPO to drum up money, but despite the obvious interest from science fiction fans, Edwards says he wouldn't want to play on people's hopes and dreams. He'd prefer investors who are fully aware of the potential problems associated with such a large scale, long-term project.

However, Edwards says that the Columbia disaster has had an impact on his business. There is a new focus on alternatives to shuttle craft now, and it's helped him line up some new meetings with investors. "It's still too early to tell just how much of an effect it will have," Edwards says. "My guess is it will be looked at a lot more seriously in the future."