Total Now At 26 Teams
Space Transport
Corporation of Washington State with team leaders Eric Meir and
Phillip Storm plans to launch an unpiloted 3-stage rocket to
space altitude within the next 60 days.
On November 22nd the High Altitude Research Corporation, Inc.
(HARC) announced its entry into the X PRIZE Competition during an
unveiling of its working model X PRIZE entry at group’s
Huntsville (AL) research and development facility.
As the curtain fell revealing a 40’ tall model, HARC Team
Leader Tim Pickens said, "Competing for the X PRIZE from Huntsville
(AL) puts our team at a distinct advantage. The ‘Rocket
City’ has so many people that have worked on manned space
flights [contributing] to an exciting project like this." As
testament to Pickens praise for local talent, Konrad Dannenberg, a
propulsion engineer under Dr. Wernher von Braun’s A-4/V2
rocket team, was on hand to witness the unveiling.
Named the Liberator (pictured during unveiling,
below), HARC’s X PRIZE entry launch vehicle uses two
LOX-Kerosene regeneratively-cooled engines that are pressure-fed
and lightweight. The Liberator is launched from an ocean going
vessel and reaches an altitude of approximately 70 miles. The
capsule is constructed of lightweight but durable aerospace
materials and boasts two safety systems, including a smaller,
separate rocket used to remove the crew from danger if the boost
vehicle malfunctions. The three crew members, wearing
pressure suits, sit tandem with their backs toward the ground to
minimize G-loads.
Liberator Mission Specifications
Max. Acceleration. Force on Ascent: 5 g’s
Max Altitude: 70 miles
Reentry Method: Parachute, capsule, water recovery
Acceleration Forces on Descent: 5 g’s
Landing Method: water splashdown
Landing Distance from Take-off Locations: 10 miles
Time Between Missions: 10 days
HARC began as a spin-off of the High Altitude Lift-Off (HALO)
program of the Huntsville L5 Society (HAL5). HARC has
designed rockets, propulsion systems and flight avionics; completed
projects include the Balloon Launched Return Vehicle (BLRV) under a
NASA contract and a vehicle for the Cheap Access to Space (CATS)
PRIZE. HARC’s X PRIZE Team is composed of a diverse group of
engineers, scientists, technicians, students, and
volunteers.
A full delegation of X PRIZE representatives made the journey
from STL to witness the proceedings in Huntsville. Executive
Director Gregg Maryniak, Executive VP David Treinis, intern Jeff
Needles, and New Spirit of St. Louis Organization Member Jack Bader
journeyed the 300 nm in the unofficial X PRIZE Pressurized
Beechcraft Baron. In addition to the press conference, they
were treated to flights on the computer simulation
Liberator, test firings of a hybrid rocket, a tour of the
120 acre test facilities, and lunch.
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