Masten Space Systems is an aerospace company pressing forward in the new space race with a fleet of reusable launch vehicles and landers.
Octorber of 2009 Masten entered their XA-0.1B “Xombie” in the Level 1 part of the Lunar Lander X Prize Challenge taking second place. Later in 2009 Masten used their XA-0.1E “Xoie” demonstrating an average landing accuracy of 19cm, taking first place for the Level 2 of the competition.
Posters note: With companies big companies making headlines on a weekly basis, it’s sometimes easy to forget about the smaller companies in the new space race. So I wanted to take some time to post about these guys and girls who are really working hard at incredible goals. Feel free to post, news, and discuss the topic in these posts.
JPL is using Masten’s XA-0.1B “Xombie” as the ADAPT (Autonomous Descent and Ascent Powered-flight Testbed), the system is testing sensors and algorithms to assist in more accurate landings for future mission landings such as on Mars.
Masten Space Systems, a private California company focused on developing lunar and planetary landing vehicles, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday after recent layoffs and funding problems.
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