SpaceDev getting into the (orbital) launch business

This was news to me, maybe it is to you too: SpaceDev is planning to
leverage its experience with the SS1 motor into a small orbital launcher
called "Streaker." From http://www.spacedev.com/newsite/templates/subpage_article.php?pid=475:

'The SpaceDev StreakerÔ is being developed under contract with the Air
Force Research Laboratory.* The SpaceDev StreakerÔ is designed to put up
to 1,000 pounds into low earth orbit, at an estimated price of $5
million.* The SpaceDev StreakerÔ will use a variation of the
SpaceShipOne motor as the upper stage, and for the orbit insertion
stage, SpaceDev will use a variation of the "space tug" motor SpaceDev
is developing for the Air Force Research Laboratory under a different
contract.'

I couldn't find any information about what they'd be using for the lower
stage.

It's interesting to compare this to SpaceX's offerings -- 1000 lbs is
about 454 kg, which is similar to (perhaps slightly less than) the
Falcon I's payload (depending on inclination and altitude). And a
Falcon I launch is $6M, compared to SpaceDev's estimated $5M.

So, both companies are planning to offer (well, SpaceX is already
offering) small orbital launch at about $10k/kg, give or take. And I
think they both have the potential to make good on these plans.

Pretty interesting times... it will be particularly fun watching the
nay-sayers argue that SS1 has no relevance to orbital spaceflight after
SpaceDev uses the funding and experience gained from SS1 to build
Streaker.

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| Joseph J. Strout Check out the Mac Web Directory: |
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