It performed its first flight admirably

Oct 8, 2009 07:04 GMT  ·  By

Yesterday, engineers at the Masten Space Systems had every reason to be happy. The first rocket test of their new Xombie delivery system took place successfully, at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. In addition to demonstrating to the world that it has what it takes to build a working rocket, the company has also entered a competition that could win it the second place in the level-one prize of the NASA-funded Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge (NGLLC).

The main objective for the qualification stage, Technology Review reports, was to fly a rocket between two pads located at least some meters apart, all while the motor itself remained aloft for more than 90 seconds. The MSS team managed to break both requirements. Xombie flew between two pads located 60 meters apart for precisely 94 seconds, the team proudly reports. One of the best things about the new rocket is that it takes off and lands vertically as well.

The system produces about 50 pounds of thrust and is powered by an isopropyl alcohol-liquid oxygen mix, which is, apparently, perfectly able to propel it. The flight-control section of the rocket was designed using only commercially available, off-the-shelf equipment, the team says. Plans are for MMS, to attempt to claim the much more difficult, level-two prize on October 28 or 29, which involves more requirements. The rocket will need to fly for longer, refuel, and then land on a pad filled with boulders (to mimic the rugged surface of the Moon).

MMS plans to use a different rocket for the second test, which it named “Xoie.” It is much lighter than Xombie, and it also has a larger propellant tank. The mission managers at Masten say that, if the second-level flight is successful, then that would put the company “squarely on track for high-altitude commercial flights starting in 2010.” In addition to impressing the NGLLC jury, Xombie has also drawn the eyes of many space investors, which have recently talked a lot about it at the Space Investment Summit 7 in Boston.