A Xombie Qualifies for Lunar Lander Prize

October 9th, 2009 admin

Another team has qualified for a $150,000 prize in NASA’s Norththrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, having successfully flown its rocket lander in Southern California. Masten Space Systems joins Armadillo Aerospace in qualifying for Level One of the Lunar Lander Challenge and the $150,000 second-place purse. Its vehicle, called “Xombie,” lifted off from a launch pad at the Mojave Air and Space Port on Wednesday. The 715-pound lunar lander prototype climbed to an altitude of 53 meters, flew horizontally for 50 meters and touched down on another landing pad during a 90-second flight. The team repeated the flight, landing within five inches of their target on the final landing. Masten CEO David Mastens said the flight is a big boost for his firm and others. &#…


Originally posted on Wired

 
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