The overall goal is to demonstrate successful ignition and operation of a booster stage hybrid motor that can produce a reliable and reproducible thrust profile. SpaceDev anticipates that the technology will validate the ground test configuration of the critical elements of the hybrid motor--such as the injectors, igniters, the motor grain and insulation.

"We believe this technology will be a significant step toward developing our own reliable, low-cost, safe cargo and crew vehicles, like our proposed SpaceDev Dream Chaser orbital human space transportation vehicle," said SpaceDev chairman and chief executive, Jim Benson. "The technology can also be adapted for use as a sounding rocket or target in our proposed SpaceDev Streaker small launch vehicle family," he added.

SpaceDev designs and builds hybrid rocket motor propulsion systems for sub-orbital and orbital transportation systems for cargo and for human space flight.

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