Sat, Feb 19, 2011
Space Operations "Eclipse" Spacecraft Called "Another Milestone
For America's Rocket City"
Space Operations announced plans today to build a two-seat
manned orbital spacecraft for commercial and government use. The
company plans a test launch on February 20, 2012, with a regular
flight schedule beginning in late 2012 or early 2013. The Eclipse
spacecraft will utilize the highly successful legacy Gemini
technology that was developed by NASA to allow SOI to bring this
product to market in a very short time frame.
Space Operations Eclipse In Orbit
Image Courtesy Space Operations
"We will incorporate modern materials and the latest proven
technologies into the design to improve performance. This
design was flown successfully 13 times back in the sixties, 10 of
those missions were manned," said James Hopkins, company CTO. "The
technology will allow for land recoveries and quick refurbishment
for future missions," said Hopkins. In addition to the crew, the
Eclipse will be able to carry approximately 10,000 pounds of cargo
into orbit. The company says it will utilize the services of other
commercial rocket manufacturers to launch the spacecraft.
"America needs a manned space flight capability based here in
the U.S. now, not in four or five years," said Craig Russell,
company CEO. A former Air Force pilot and retired airline pilot,
Russell has been developing the business model for five years. "We
identified the prime contractor and sub-contractors to build the
vehicle last year."
The company will use the spacecraft to service different sectors
in the orbital space market including satellite servicing and
repair; satellite deployment; space tourism, including space walks;
new space station construction/re-supply; and space debris
de-orbit. The company is seeking investors to participate in this
tremendous growth opportunity in commercial space flight and
interested parties to purchase seats on the first few flights. "The
purpose of the first few missions will depend on who is first to
put a deposit on the seats," said Chris Gattis, company
President. "We're going to space in 2012, we're looking for
others to go with us."
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