Masten – Final Flight Attempt – Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge

Xoie Ready. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot

We are watching Masten’s Xoie attempt at the Mojave site, live via Ustream. The window began at 9:00 AM PDT this morning. Ready for flight at 10:16 AM. First flight ended successfully after 3 minutes and 2 seconds. Masten is now preparing for the return flight. It is now 11:04 and loading of LOX is underway. Launch. 9 Minutes left in the window. Good Flight. Landed. Now its up to the judges.

The accuracy for Xoie’s first flight was around 11 inches (28 centimeters). Based on unofficial measurements, it appears as if Xoie did well enough on the second flight to take the top spot away from Armadillo’s Scorpius (average landing accuracy was about 35 inches – 89 centimeters). And indeed that is the Case. Level II Prize – Xoie First, Scorpius Second. And for Level I Prize – Scorpius First, Xombie (Masten) Second.

Jonathon Goff, found often on forum.nasaspaceflight.com, built the 1000 lb thrust engine, and Ian Garcia, guidance engineer, wrote the software.

Xoie Ignition. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot

Xoie Climb to Altitude. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot.

Xoie Hovering Over Target. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot

Xoie Landing After First Flight. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot.

Xoie Refueling. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot

Xoie Second Flight. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot.

Xoie Descending on Second Flight. Credit: Ustream Screen Shot

Xoie Second Landing. Wins!! Credit: Ustream Screen Shot.