Source: MSNBC

Wow - after having serious doubts a year ago I can now understand the euphoria in building a space ship. If the optimism should be extend to space travel I'm still in doubt but the US$ 20 million investment for SpaceShipOne has been quite successful.
This article is one of the best summaries I could find today:

"Winning the X Prize should bring the first substantial payback for Allen, who has said he's invested more than $20 million to win the $10 million prize. But Rutan and Allen are looking forward to additional payoffs from SpaceShipOne's successors: Richard branson, head of the British-based Virgin Group, announced a deal to license the venture's technology last week --- and witnessed Monday's flight."