Astrobotic Wins Contracts for Suborbital Vehicle Development
Astrobotic has successfully secured contracts amounting to $17.5 million from NASA and military sources to develop three reusable suborbital vehicles. These contracts aim to enhance technology demonstrations and other applications.
Astrobotic’s Suborbital Vehicle Development
The Pittsburgh-based company announced these developments on December 19. The awarded funds will support two new low-altitude vehicles that will evolve from its previous Xodiac model. Additionally, Astrobotic will upgrade the Xogdor vehicle, designed for flights exceeding 100 kilometers.
Contracts Overview
- NASA SBIR Phase 3 Contract for Xodiac-C: Worth $1.6 million, this contract focuses on entry, descent, and landing technology testing.
- U.S. Space Force SBIR Award for Xodiac-B: Valued at $1.9 million, Xodiac-B will test rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs).
- NASA SBIR Phase 3 Contract for Xogdor: The largest contract at $14 million, supporting upgrades to Xogdor for microgravity experimentation.
Development Goals and Specifications
Sean Bedford, Senior Director of Business Development at Astrobotic, highlighted that Xodiac-C is a direct successor to the original Xodiac, which suffered a crash during a flight in May 2023. The new model is anticipated to accommodate larger payloads and exhibit better maneuverability.
Xodiac-B aims to accelerate RDRE technology’s flight capabilities, supporting other firms developing similar engines. Astrobotic plans to utilize Xogdor for various experiments and to conduct multiple flights weekly, enabling rapid testing and validation of new ideas.
Future Applications and Schedule
Astrobotic positions Xogdor as a versatile platform, capable of supporting national security initiatives and missile defense strategies. It’s designed to carry payloads up to 200 kilograms and is similar in size to conventional missile systems.
The projected timeline includes Xodiac-C entering service in late 2026, followed by Xodiac-B in 2027, and Xogdor in 2028. The precise funding necessary for the completion of these vehicle developments has yet to be disclosed.
Expanding Testing Locations
Astrobotic has established testing protocols at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Recently, the company signed an agreement to conduct flights from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, though the schedule for the inaugural flight remains unconfirmed. Additionally, they are contemplating tests from Edwards Air Force Base, which offers a larger space for operations away from congestion.
Bedford emphasized that operating from Edwards provides critical flexibility as the space for testing becomes more competitive. The initiatives reflect Astrobotic’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for lunar missions and other scientific explorations.
