Masten Space System’s Xombie vehicle successfully completed one test flight today at the Mojave Air & Space Port in an effort to capture second prize in the first phase of the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. However, a second flight was called off after the vehicle suffered “some damage to regeneratively-cooled engine,” accordng to the competition’s officially Twitter feed. The vehicle is reported to have a landing accuracy of 10 centimeters and to have burned off the X Prize logo from the landing pad.
According to the official X Prize blog:
However, upon post-landing inspection, team Masten noticed a leak in their regeneratively-cooled engine chamber. Rather than risk losing a vehicle, they decided to call it a day. They’ll go back, troubleshoot the problem, and try again in their October windows. Their next attempt is scheduled for October 7-8.
Similar Posts:
- Masten Qualifies for Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Prize
- Masten Completes First Leg of Lunar Lander Challenge
- Report on Masten Space System’s Xombie Flight
- John Carmack’s Statement on NGLLC Judging Controversy
- Masten: Vehicle Should Be Operational “Very Soon”
