XCOR press release just released:

Web version with extremely pretty purple multi shock diamond exhaust
Text is same as below but pictures are worth looking at.
Possibly the most beautiful static rocket engine test photo I've ever 
seen. Shows ones senses sense of beauty gets warped with exposure to 
arcane things :-)        .


        http://www.xcor.com:80/press-releases/2007/07-01-16_XCOR_begins_methane_engine_testing.html

I wonder what the terminal velocity of the test stand would be if they
took the brake off :-)

Several of these people are on the ARocket mailing list and have been 
dying to tell everyone about their new toy but had to wait until the 
second success. Others on the list are their neighbours and they also 
kept the secret when they heard loud rocket engine noises from across 
the way.


        Russell




_________________________

XCOR Aerospace Begins Test Firing of Methane Rocket Engine

Successful Test Completed for NASA
Mojave, CA. January 16, 2007 - Today XCOR Aerospace announced a series
of successful test firings of its new 7,500 pound thrust rocket
engine. The tests were conducted as part of a $3.3 million subcontract
XCOR has with Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK). The tests support 
NASA's
advanced development program to obtain liquid methane rocket engine
technology for future space applications. Six short-duration test
fires have been completed.

The engine, designated 5M15, uses liquid methane and liquid oxygen as
propellants. XCOR and ATK are developing the initial workhorse version
of the 7,500 lbf LOX/methane engine for NASA. This
regeneratively-cooled version of the rocket engine will also be built
and tested in 2007 as part of the contract. ATK will use the workhorse
engine as a basis for the design of the prototype version of the
engine that will be closer to flight weight.

"This was a great first firing," said XCOR CEO Jeff Greason.
"Everything worked incredibly well. The crew put in long days and
nights to get the engine and new test stand ready for today, and the
results were outstanding. I could not have expected it to come out any
better."

The first version of this rocket engine uses a heat-sink throat
without any cooling system. Tests on this first version of the engine
will characterize engine performance. The results will be used to
determine the appropriate length of the rocket engine chamber for the
flight-weight version.

ATK is a $3.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company
employing approximately 15,000 people in 21 states. News and
information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

XCOR Aerospace is a California corporation located in Mojave,
California. The company is in the business of developing and producing
safe, reliable and reusable rocket engines, rocket propulsion systems,
and rocket powered vehicles.
For more information, visit www.xcor.com/


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