User:Dmasten

Hello,
I guess I should introduce myself. For those who have not heard of me, I am the founder and CEO of a little start-up, Masten Space Systems. Masten Space Systems recently took home some money from the Northrup Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. We built a "lander" that had similar performance to what a real lunar lander would need.

At the recent leadership meeting, Fred asked me to come by and talk a little about our experience in competing in an XPrize competition. While I was there I saw some of what you had been working on, and stuck around for the rest of the meeting. Suffice it to say, I was sufficiently impressed that I volunteered for a task or three.

What I bring to the table is rocket vehicle design and propulsion systems experience. I have designed, tested, and/or built a number of different rocket engines including both solid and liquid engines. I have access to three rocket engine test facilities, and I know a few people I can get to help out.

The particular tasks I've volunteered for are to do a trade study on liquid propulsion systems for the lander and bus, and then trade on the idea of a single stage or two stage approach. After that, I think I need to get with the lander folks and ask for some changes, and start in on the TLI stage design and engine designs.

Oh, I should make sure that one thing is clear - I am helping on a strictly personal basis, I am not representing Masten Space Systems within FredNet. So, this means a couple of things:
1. Since I am CEO of Masten Space Systems, I have a responsibility to the company and its shareholders to try selling services to other GLXP teams.
2. If one (or more) GLXP team enters into a contract with Masten Space Systems, I may have to discontinue helping out here.

And last but not least: I look forward to working with each of you, and getting to the Moon!

Dave