Masten Space Systems
Masten Space Systems, now operating as Astrobotic's Propulsion & Test department, specializes in reusable terrestrial landers and rocket engine development, holding records for the most rocket-powered landings in the industry.
Services
Masten Space Systems offers a range of services focused on propulsion and testing. The company conducts entry, descent, and landing tests as well as suborbital payload testing and plume surface interaction testing. These services cater to government, defense, and commercial customers, leveraging their extensive experience in vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) flight operations. With over 600 successful flights, Masten helps clients retire risk and advance technology readiness for missions targeting the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The firm operates from the Mojave Air & Space Port, facilitating various testing requirements.
Products
Masten Space Systems provides a variety of rocket engines and vehicles designed for diverse applications. Among their products are Tachi, Broadsword, and Katana rocket engines, which use different propellants such as liquid oxygen/liquid methane and liquid oxygen/isopropyl alcohol. Their fleet of vertical takeoff and vertical landing vehicles includes Xombie, which holds the world record with 227 flights. The 5th-generation Xodiac vehicle has completed over 100 successful flights since 2015. Masten is also developing Xogdor, a new 6th-generation vehicle powered by a 6,000 lbf turbopump-fed liquid oxygen/liquid methane engine.
History
Founded with a mission to enable low-cost, rapid technology development, Masten Space Systems has evolved significantly. A noteworthy achievement was winning the NASA-funded Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge in 2009 with their VTVL demonstrator Xoie. Headquartered in Mojave, CA, the company has executed over 600 successful flights across five generations of VTVL vehicles. In 2023, Masten transitioned to operate as Astrobotic's Propulsion & Test department, continuing to push the boundaries of space exploration technology.
Technological Development
Masten Space Systems is at the forefront of technological advancements in rocket-powered landings and propulsion systems. They are currently developing Xogdor, a 6th-generation VTVL vehicle featuring a powerful 6,000 lbf turbopump-fed liquid oxygen/liquid methane engine. Their existing fleet includes Xombie and Xodiac, which have demonstrated extensive flight capabilities. Masten's reusable terrestrial landers have the most rocket-powered landings in the industry, showcasing their commitment to innovation and reliability in advancing space technologies.
Headquarters
Masten Space Systems is headquartered at 1570 Sabovich St in Mojave, CA. This location is strategically positioned within the Mojave Air & Space Port, which provides an ideal environment for testing advanced propulsion systems and conducting VTVL flight operations. The facility supports a range of services, from entry, descent, and landing tests to suborbital payload testing, offering clients a reliable base for their experimental and operational needs.