Rocketplane Kistler selected the companies this week that will provide software to design the aerospace company's K-1 reusable orbital launch vehicle. UGS Corp. will provide its NX software, UGS digital product development solution to design, build and test the K-1.

"With the award of a NASA COTS (Commercial Orbital Transportation Services) program to Rocketplane Kistler we need a solution that provides a strong, dynamic design foundation," said Joe Cuzzupoli, Rocketplane Kistler's COTS program manager. "NX's high-end design capability and strong presence in the Aerospace and Defense market combined with UGS' broad PLM solution set made UGS the right choice."

RpK says the two-stage K-1 is a low-cost and reliable vehicle, capable of delivering a variety of payloads to a wide range of altitudes and inclinations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Depending on satellite requirements, the K-1 offers two sizes of payload modules: a Standard Payload Module (SPM) and an Extended Payload Module (EPM). Interchangeable payload modules and the International Space Station (ISS) cargo module enable customer and market flexibility.

"Space transportation is an exciting new market and we are thrilled that innovators like Rocketplane Kistler see the benefits that UGS' PLM technology can provide," said Dave Shook, senior vice president and managing director, Americas, UGS. "NX delivers a best-in-class solution in a commercial, off-the-shelf package which provides a strong foundation with the ability to support future growth."

RpK was formed when Kistler Aerospace Corporation and Rocketplane Limited, Inc. were brought under common ownership. RpK markets the services of the fully reusable, two stage Kistler K-1 orbital launch vehicle and the fully reusable, suborbital Rocketplane XP Spaceplane, both of which are slated to be first to fly in their respective markets.

FMI: www.rocketplanekistler.com, www.ugs.com