Masten Space Systems Completes NGLLC Level One

[Swampcat]

Masten Space Systems completed requirements today for the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge Level One. They must now wait for similar attempts by Unreasonable Rocket and Bon NovA scheduled for later this month.

Reports say that the Xombie vehicle came to rest within 11 centimeters of the center of the landing pad on the return leg of the two flight event.

MSS will claim the NGLLC Level One Second Prize should neither of the other two teams complete the requirements or are unable to beat Xombie's landing accuracy. Armadillo Aerospace won the Level One First Prize in October of last year.

MSS is scheduled to compete for the Level Two prize later this month with a different vehicle. Armadillo Aerospace has already completed requirements for the Level Two Prize and could claim the $1M First Prize depending on the performance of the other contestants.

 

[nimbus]

Can Armadillo do another run to keep first prize by beating all competitors' accuracy?

 

[Swampcat]

Can Armadillo do another run to keep first prize by beating all competitors' accuracy?

It's my understanding that, according to the rules, they could, but it would be difficult. The other competitors have scheduled their attempts for late in the month. I doubt there would be time to set it up before the end of the prize window (October 31).

I've also heard that John Carmack of Armadillo isn't interested in another run.

 

[Swampcat]

Masten Qualifies for $150,000 Level 1 Prize Purse

Masten Space Systems successfully flew their Xombie vehicle today, completing two flights and meeting the Level 1 requirements of the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge.

Masten had a previous attempt on September 16, 2009, but did not complete the second flight due to engine damage. Masten went back to their workshop and solved the engine problem, tested it over the last several weeks and today flew an aluminum engine, making this the first known flight of such an engine on a reusable launch vehicle (Armadillo Aerospace also flew a aluminum engine for their September 12, 2009 flight, although also utilized a graphite liner).

Amidst chants of "Fly Xombie, fly!", the first flight lasted about 93 seconds and the vehicle landed ~20 cm from the center of the pad; almost a perfect repeat of their first NGLLC flight. The second flight lasted 91 seconds and the vehicle landed 11 cm from the center of the pad -- an impressive feat indeed (all numbers preliminary until judges declare them official).

Video at the above link.

 

[nimbus]

Thanks Swampcat.

 

[EarthlingX]

masten-space.com : Masten Space Re-Lights Rocket Engine in Flight

MOJAVE, Calif., May 26 /PRNewswire/ — Masten Space Systems, a leader in vertical take off, vertical landing (VTVL) rocket vehicles, successfully demonstrated in-air engine re-light capability today at the company’s test facility in Mojave, CA. Xombie, Masten’s most-flown vehicle, carried out the test Wednesday and became the first VTVL vehicle to successfully re-light a rocket engine in flight.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01FcUEjwDkk[/youtube]