SpaceDev to Develop NASA Shuttle Hitchhiker Experiment Launch System (SHELS) Compatible Propulsion Module
SpaceDev
announced today that it has been awarded Phase I of
a contract to develop a Shuttle-compatible propulsion module for the Air Force
Research Lab (AFRL). SpaceDev also expects to receive an award for Phase II of
the contract and will use the project to further expand the company’s product
line to satisfy commercial and government space transportation requirements.
The first two phases of the contract are worth up to $1.6 Million. Total
contract value is open-ended.
The contract was a result of the critical need to develop an innovative,
low-cost propulsion capability that simultaneously addresses NASA Shuttle
Hitchhiker Experiment Launch System (SHELS) safety requirements and the Air
Force Space Test Program (STP) orbit transfer propulsion performance
requirements.
“Due to current technology limitations, no payload has ever been
propulsively boosted to other orbits when deployed from SHELS, because
existing propulsion technologies do not meet Shuttle safety or STP performance
requirements,” said Ken Hampsten, program manager for the AFRL’s Space
Vehicles Directorate contract with SpaceDev.
SpaceDev’s previous work for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on
SpaceDev’s Secondary Payload Orbital Transfer Vehicle (SPOTV) and its orbital
Maneuver and Transfer Vehicle (MTV), combined with this new project for the
AFRL, will give SpaceDev important and unique capabilities in the area of
placing, inspecting and protecting space-based assets.
The SpaceDev MTV was designed to provide on-orbit maneuvering and orbit
transfers of customer microsatellites and payloads launched from expendable
launch vehicles. “Successful completion of the AFRL project will give SpaceDev
additional capabilities to deliver customer payloads to their desired orbits.
This capability will result in a SpaceDev platform from which our customers
can inspect and protect their own and United States space-based assets, or to
get up close and personal with potentially unfriendly space assets,” said Jim
Benson, chief executive officer of SpaceDev.
About SpaceDev
SpaceDev (OTC Bulletin Board: SPDV – news) provides affordable and innovative
space products and solutions to government and commercial enterprises.
SpaceDev products and solutions include the design, manufacture, marketing and
operation of sophisticated micro and nano satellites, hybrid rocket-based
orbital maneuvering and orbital transfer vehicles (MTVs) as well as safe sub-
orbital and orbital hybrid rocket-based propulsion systems. SpaceDev has been
awarded contracts from NASA, National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO),
Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Space Authority
(CSA) and commercial customers. SpaceDev is also developing commercial hybrid
rocket motors and small high performance space vehicles and subsystems. For
more information, visit www.spacedev.com .
This news release may contain forward-looking statements concerning the
company’s business and future prospects and other similar statements that do
not concern matters of historical fact. Forward-looking statements relating to
product development, business prospects and development of a commercial market
for technological advances are based on the company’s current expectations.
The company’s current expectations are subject to all of the uncertainties and
risks customarily associated with new business ventures including, but not
limited to, market conditions, successful product development and acceptance,
competition and overall economic conditions, as well as the risk of adverse
regulatory actions. The company’s actual results may differ materially from
current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to
update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or for any other reason.
