Spacedev to challenge SpaceX after USAF deal

Posted on: Nov. 28th, 2005 || Source: flightinternational.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Microsatellite and hybrid rocket motor manufacturer Spacedev has won a $2.7 million US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) contract that will help it develop a launcher to compete with Space Exploration Technologies’ (SpaceX) Falcon 1.

Spacedev, which provided the engine for Scaled Composites’ SpaceShipOne, is to develop a 130,000lb-thrust (578kN) hybrid rocket motor for the AFRL. It is a hybrid because it uses a gas or a liquid oxidiser with a solid fuel.

For Spacedev, the motor will form part of its in-development 1t-to-low-Earth-orbit Streaker launcher, and would be the third stage for its proposed vertically launched six-passenger Dream Chaser manned vehicle, which resembles the NASA HL-20 lifting body.

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