XA0 1B NGLLC 091609

On Wednesday September 16, 2009, Masten Space Systems flew our XA0.1B-750 rocket vehicle in the Northrop-Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, Level 1.

The flight on the first leg was awesome to watch. This was the second untethered flight of "Xombie" (flight 29). The rocket reached an altitude of 53 meters and moved to the second landing pad 60 meters away with a 92 second flight time. We landed a tiny 19.7cm from center of our target. Upon inspection of the engine before preparing for the return trip, our staff found some minor damage to the engine. It was decided to not take the risk of flying the second leg and living to fly another day. Our next competition window is in early October and that should allow us plenty of time to identify the cause of the damage and make corrections.

The first half of the video is from the downward pointing onboard camera. The second half of the clip shows the view from the outward pointing camera. Yes, we turn the concrete into glass as we take off and land. The green flashes in the exhaust plume are burning bits of the engine chamber that gave us the indication that we should inspect the engine very thoroughly.

Overall, we are very pleased with the performance of the rocket and how well our team worked together today.

Masten Space Systems is developing Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) rockets to fly payloads to sub-orbit. You can find more information on our web site: http://www.masten-space.com Follow us on Twitter: @mastenspace

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• NGLLC
• VTVL
• Rockets

[spacevidcast]

AWESOME! Only 10 cm off from target I understand. Absolutely amazing. Going to give Armadillo a run for their money and shoot for level 2?

[wolfekeeper]

The green flashes were a slightly engine-rich exhaust, and that's why it didn't fly the second leg.

[mojaverockets]

The Xombie has landed. Excellent job guys!

[missgracie91]

Fantastic video and love the amount of effort that has gone into it. Was wondering what sort of education or corses would i have to do to get into building things like that?

[rfoutch]

This was awesome, way to go guys. Can't wait for the return trip, good luck on the next attempt and in round two!

[MarsFKA]

Watching the downwards-pointing camera view during the descent, I was thinking things like, "Picking up some dust" and "Contact light" and "Engine stop". I couldn't help it. Well done, guys.

[kam75]

just great,wish I were there.

[Gamefr3Q]

They are built to auto-stabilize to ensure straight flight according to wind, etc.

[ianmga]

The engine kicks in the opposite direction to the flight to orient the vehicle towards that direction (of the flight). When it gets to the desired velocity it slowly kicks back to turn the vehicle vertical again.

[snowmansnowma5]

At 0:31, why does the engine make a sudden move to the opposite direction for a split second?

[bbrockert]

The roll has bounds, it bounces off them. We're controlling it less strictly to save pressurant.