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.  

FMI: www.harcspace.com