$11,000.00 total prize money for the winning engine design(s)

So you don't have the money to design a rocket to fly up in space,  but you have an urge to make history? Well, how about a steam engine? What? You say it's already been done? Well, yes... but not for $11,000 and not for a company that designs rocket engines to take private SpaceShips into space!

The XCOR Steam Engine Prize is being offered to anyone who delivers a “steam engine” that meets the requirements of the rules of the content. Third place is $2,500.00 to the first person or organization that meets all the requirements listed in the rules. The $3,500.00 Second Place prize will be awarded to the first person or organization that delivers a machine that meets all the third place requirements plus the additional second place requirements. The $5,000.00 First Place prize will be won by the first person or organization who delivers a machine that meets all the above requirements plus the additional first place requirement.

XCOR Aerospace, Inc., has developed such a machine, but they want to explore alternatives available in the large number of inventive and creative people who inhabit the world of live steam.

The rules are simple:

• The steam engine shall be a four-cylinder piston machine that operates four water pump modules (provided by XCOR).
• The engine shall be compatible with the interface drawing provided.
• The engine can be of any configuration (in-line, Vee, radial, etc)
• Any materials can be used as long as they are in accordance with the interface drawing
• Any type of valve train can be used (poppet, slide, sleeve, etc).
• The engine shall be self-starting with the application of drive gas (water steam or compressed air) at 500 psi.
• Exhaust is to ambient.
• Inlet valve cutoff shall be no more than 60% of full stroke.
• Machine total lifetime shall be no less than one hour, with overhauls not more frequent than every 10 minutes of operation.
• Machine speed shall be not less than 3,600 RPM, and weight shall not exceed 10 kg not including modules.
• Prizes may be won in any order.

Third Place: The First and Second place winners are disqualified from winning Third place. The Third place prize will be awarded to whoever provides a machine that meets the rules first.

Second Place: The First and Third Place winners are disqualified from winning Second Place. The requirements to win Second Place are the same as for Third Place, except the speed shall be not less than 7,200 RPM, and the exhaust shall be collected in a manifold with attachable fitting(s).

First Place: The Second and Third Place winners are disqualified from winning first place. Requirements to win First Place are the same as for Second Place, except the weight shall not exceed five kg (excluding the pump modules).

Ladies and gentlemen, start your grey matters, and may the best engineer(s) win!

FMI: http://www.xcor.com/steamengine.html