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X PRIZE Cup. WireFly X PRIZE Cup Overview for COMSTAC Michael S. Kelly, RLV/WG 25 October 2006. Highlights. First actual X PRIZE Cup Two competitions Northrop-Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge NASA Centennial Challenges Space Elevator Games
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X PRIZE Cup WireFly X PRIZE Cup Overview for COMSTAC Michael S. Kelly, RLV/WG 25 October 2006
Highlights • First actual X PRIZE Cup • Two competitions • Northrop-Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge • NASA Centennial Challenges Space Elevator Games • First flight of a vehicle under FAA/AST Experimental Permit
Armadillo Experimental Permit • Experimental Permit (EP) required for Lunar Lander Challenges at X PRIZE Cup (instead of launch license) • Armadillo completed EP requirements Thursday, 19 October, in first untethered flight at Las Cruces
Remaining Events on Friday and Saturday • Successful completion of full flight profile by Armadillo • Several High-Power Amateur Rockets flown • Hybrid and LOX/alcohol static engine firings • Bell Rocket Belt • F-117 and F-18 fly-by
FAA Participation • Experimental Permitting • HPAR trajectory simulation and rail parameter study pre-event • Real-time 6 DOF simulation during event using real-time winds • IIC event safety
Conclusions • XP Flight Ops had its work cut out for it • FAA indispensable part of the team • Despite challenges, audience experienced smooth event