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.

 Rocketry Club: Tripoli Wisconsin

Author mastenspace
Duration 227 seconds
Rating Best

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