DOD/ORS Selects SpaceDev for Jumpstart Mission

Kirtland AFB, NM (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 29, 2008 -– The Department of Defense Operationally Responsive Space Office announced the selection of the SpaceDev, Inc. Trailblazer spacecraft bus as the primary payload to fly on its Jumpstart mission.
Jumpstart is a multi-pronged effort set to fly a responsive payload on the SpaceX Falcon 1 Flight 003 mission, currently scheduled for a late June 2008 launch from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The selection of Trailblazer was made after the Jumpstart Preshipment Review, conducted on 20 May 2008. The Trailblazer spacecraft bus was originally developed under a Missile Defense Agency contract. This bus serves as a risk reduction for a flexible, modular bus design using off the shelf components and could support a variety of future ORS missions.

Jumpstart illustrates the responsive capability combatant commanders want – spacecraft buildup to launch vehicle integration in just months. This mission demonstrates the first step of responsive launch with an end-to-end call up within seven months of funding availability and within four months following approval to proceed. In addition, Jumpstart demonstrates several key ORS enabling models: rapid call up of a mission to launch; rapid development, integration and checkout of spacecraft; a concept of operations that allows flexibility late in the payload processing flow to determine which mission will fly; efficiencies in processes and procedures to reduce payload integration timelines; and identification and assurance of payload technical readiness.

ORS Director, Dr. Peter Wegner, commended all three spacecraft teams under consideration for the Jumpstart mission for their excellence and dedication in preparing their spacecraft for this mission. “These teams performed in an outstanding manner,” said Wegner. “ORS is very interested in seeing all three of these spacecraft successfully complete their missions, and will work with the broader community to make that desire a reality.”