ISDC Announcement
This is the weekend of the International Space Development Conference in Dallas. At this meeting I've met everyone from Dr. Aldrin to Dr. Hale of Hale-Bopp. Jim Benson founded two Space companies and developed the engine technology of Spaceship One. His Benson Space Company is developing the DreamChaser Spacecraft for suborbital flight and beyond. Benson's advisor and chief pilot is Robert "Hoot" Gibson, veteran of 5 shuttle flights.
In 1983 a P-3 aircraft photographed this mysterious spacecraft being recovered by Russians from the Indian Ocean. The BOR-4 experimental lifting body had just returned from an orbital test. Americans liked the design so much that they developed it into the HL-20 rescue vehicle for ISS. In the end the Russian scientists were forced by their leaders to copy the American Space Shuttle as Buran. HL-20 was cancelled and ISS is limited to 3-person crews using Soyuz as an escape pod. Benson Aerospace had been developing this shape for DreamChaser.
The Space Shuttle's delta wings are not necessary. When shuttle was expected to replace every US launch vehicle, the Air Force insisted upon delta wings for cross-range capability. USAF wanted shuttles landing at remote airbases, a capability that was never used. The big wings add weight, drag, and a big target for foam strikes.
This weekend Benson will unveil a new design based upon the X-2, X-15 and other successful straight-wing aircraft. This design promises less drag, a smoother ride, and a better view. The many portholes are reminiscent of Spaceship One. Benson aeropace is on schedule to begin suborbital passenger flights in 2009, possibly ahead of Virgin Galactic.
Labels: space
posted by L. Riofrio at 5:42 PM
8 Comments:
That's exciting! But it must be very expensive research. Do these projects have private funding, or is the U.S. Department of Defense or NASA putting up money?
I remember reading a report years ago by a Shuttle pilot who write it was like flying a brick. Are these systems designed to glide down to land, or must they use power?
I suppose they must have some reserve power available after reentry in order to ensure they can get lined up properly with the runway, and get down without stalling and crashing prematurely.
HI Nige. These projects are being funded privately, a high-risk venture. Like shuttle, this one will land "dead stick" without power.
I just remembered where this design has been seen before. It's the spaceship from George Pal's WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE.
I woild like to know more about this topic because looks interesting.
Jim Benson has been my idol since I was a child, due to the fact he invest too much money for the progress of this world, and that's so admirable.
This is totally exciting! I had no idea that the design for HL-20 rescue vehicle was basically copied from that spacecraft taken up from Indian Ocean! I'm pretty sure it was an extremely expensive campaign!
I woild like to know more about this topic because looks interesting.
Well done, This makes you stand way out from many other writers that push poorly written content.
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