Project Is First to Demonstrate Applied Throttling Capability
SpaceDev, Inc. (OTC BB:SPDV.OB announced today that it has concluded the first phase of development on its hybrid rocket powered lunar lander prototype, with a successful flight test. The effort was supported by the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) led by Steve Durst, who envision using the technology to bring their ILO spacecraft to a soft landing on the South Pole of the Moon, where it will perform various astrophysics and communication functions.
During the flight test, the lander prototype vehicle's four hybrid rocket motors were ignited and throttled via radio control, their thrust adjusted in real time to achieve lift-off, ascended to approximately 35 feet, hovered, descended, and landed softly. A video of the flight may be seen at www.spacedev.com/uploads/Nov2_2007_Lander_Test.wmv.
Ктонить может объяснить тайный смысл использования гибридного двигателя в данном случае? Импульс, насколько я понимаю, у них ниже плинтуса.