Video of Module 1 first flight at 2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup

William Atkins
Sunday, 28 October 2007 20:04

Science - Space

Armadillo Aerospace made a successful flight out from the launch pad, but needed to return to win the $350,000 prize at the X PRIZE Cup in New Mexico. Unfortunately, the craft tipped over upon landing.       

The YouTube video of the flight appears at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxB-9U66EGA.

After landing at the end of the first half of its trip, an igniter problem caused the team to alter the fuel flow rate. The 50-meter (165-foot) ascent of Module 1 (MOD) for its return journey back to its origin was faster than expected, which caused concern to John Carmack, the founder of Armadillo Aerospace. The engine was running rough, but the craft managed to remain aloft for most of the required 90 seconds—moving 50 meters (165 feet) across the desert back to the original launch site.

However, it was having trouble landing, swinging back and forth in its unstable descent back to the ground. It then tipped over then it did reach the concrete pad.

Team members of Armadillo Aerospace have further tries to win the prize. They are expecting to use a backup MOD for one of these tries at Level 1 (the $350,000 prize). They are also expecting to fly Pixel for the more dangerous attempt at landing on a rough landing site (Level 2), rather than on a concrete pad. The prize for successful completion of Level 2 is one million dollars. Level 1 and Level 2 prizes are provided by NASA.

Additional information on the Wirefly X PRIZE Cup is found at “2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup: ‘Earth's Great Space Exposition’”: http://www.itwire.com/content/view/15058/1066/.