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The Space Show interview (MP3)....<br /><br />Long, but informative. Bits & pieces impressions typed on the fly (no order);<br /><br />1. Dream Chaser will take off vertically.<br /><br />2. 4 internal hybrid rockets with 6 more in a re-usable mini-booster for sub-orbitals, though the vehicle is designed to go orbital later.<br /><br />3. 513,000+ foot (97 miles/156 km) max altitude @ 3,000 fps (914 meters/s) with a loop/roll & longer return glide than SS2.<br /><br />4. 1 pilot + 5 passengers.<br /><br />5. Target max G = 4. Not thrilled with SS2's 6-7 G's for safety reasons, so they're limiting 0-G time to 3 min.<br /><br />6. NASA HL-20 advanced prototype on loan to Benson Aerospace.<br /><br />7. NASA also built a detailed simulator (not stated if Benson has it).<br /><br />8. Hinted a "triangular relationship" between Benson , Bigelow (who he really likes) and Lockheed would be acceptable if LM man-rates Atlas. <br /><br />9. FAA environment has been supportive with regs. based on feedback from the private space companies.<br /><br />10. Thermal protection for orbital use already worked out with NASA/AMES. Design is in-hand.<br /><br />11. Evaluation for a "lunar swing-by" flight was positive.<br /><br />12. IPO planned for ~2010 after sub-orbitals.<br /><br />13. He has brown-bag lunches to enforce practical thinking among his engineers. KISS.<br /><br />14. Adam Aircraft is still set to build Dream Chaser using advanced composites.<br /><br />15. Has no faith in VSE, calling it "a rehash" and "pork", or NASA itself. Feels burned by the COTS decision and will not compete for their programs again. <br /><br />16. Will be starting "free trips to space" contests.<br /><br />And for dessert:<br /><br />Benson will be working with Dr. Robert Bussard to evaluate (via an independent b <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>