Don't let anyone kid you, despite
the fact that the XPrize was won several years ago, the development
of commercial space programs remains a fervent pursuit for a chosen
group of visionaries. Masten Space Systems tells ANN that they have
completed their first vertical take-off, vertical-landing (VTVL)
rocket flight demonstration. The demonstration proved out the
design and controls of the 730lb rocket-powered vehicle, known as
XA-0.1B-750 or “Xombie”, its internal nickname.
While the vehicle was attached to a safety tether, it took off,
ascended a few meters, descended, and shut down its engine as
designed. The instant the engine shut off the entire team yelled,
“YES!”
“This is the first big step to providing fully reusable
spaceflight,” said company CEO David Masten. “Larger
vehicles, using the same technologies tested here, will be capable
of taking a 220 pound payload to 75 miles and be
reused without requiring lengthy refurbishment.”
The vehicle is fitted with a liquid-fueled rocket engine running
on isopropyl alcohol and liquid oxygen designed in house at Masten
Space Systems. “While there are a few tweaks we plan on
making, these engines are performing well enough to be ready for
commercial customers” said propulsion engineer Jonathan Goff.
“Xombie has been an excellent platform to show off the
engine’s capabilities,” he said.
The engine is capable of putting out 850 pounds of force. The
vehicle is stabilized by a two-axis main engine gimbal and four
reaction control thrusters. The engine can point 15 degrees away
from the vehicle centerline, more than four times as far as most
competitors.
This vehicle was refitted from a four-engine test vehicle in one
month, and the reaction control thrusters and computer system were
developed in less than two weeks.
“This program has demonstrated the agility of our small
team when presented with an interesting challenge,” said
project manager Ben Brockert. “We apply the same skills and
speed to customer projects,” he said. Masten anticipates that
payload space on low altitude commercial flights will be available
by the end of 2009. “We’re happy to provide payload
space for research, Technology Readiness Level acceleration, or
quality assurance. This flight, along with our Department of
Defense SBIR contract, represents a significant new phase for the
company,” said Michael Mealling, Vice President of Business
Development.
Masten Space Systems is a Mojave, CA based aerospace company
developing fully reusable VTVL launch vehicles, rocket-related
products, and engineering services. The company’s 6000 square
foot production facility and 100,000 sq foot testing facility is
located on the Mojave Air and Space Port. The company designs and
builds aerospace solutions that focus on durability, long
operational lifetimes, and minimal per-flight maintenance.
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