Masten Space Systems is developing a line of Vertical Takeoff and
Vertical Landing (VTVL) launch vehicles that provide reduced costs
and a larger range of mission options by focusing on development and operational processes that ensure speed to market, extremely fast turn around times, and an almost retail purchasing experience.
The principles the company uses to build these development process and
which inform the entire design process are:
- The product development timeline moves from unmanned
suborbital cargo delivery to manned orbital vehicles in an
incremental way that ensures reliable revenue streams. This creates
cost savings for the customer by funding development on a
"pay as you go" basis instead of passing all up front development
costs to the customer.
- Customers are included in the development process as much as
possible, ensuring that products and services that are relevant to customer's needs are delivered at speeds that match, rather than drive, their speed to market requirements.
- Technology development follows mission requirements, not the
other way around. It is Masten Space System's philosophy to use only
those systems required to execute delivery of the product or service
in any element of the product line. If there is no need for a pilot
to be a part of a given product line, then the customer isn't required
to pay for one.
- Masten prides itself in its openness and accessibility. The
company intends its purchasing process to be an almost retail
experience. At the same time, the openness of the company and
its processes will help build a relationship with its customers and the
public that extends beyond the actual delivery of products and services.
- The VTVL approach enables cost savings from operations and
launch site access that apply directly to the customer's bottom line and
enable economies of scale not available with other systems.
These philosophies are what allow Masten Space Systems to deliver
low cost access to space sooner rather than later.
Just gas 'em up and go!
