"Our first space launch will occur in less than half the time it took Space X to achieve that milestone."New rocket startups will invariably have to face comparisons to SpaceX — the company's successful pioneering of reusable rocket technologies has positioned it as a reference point for all private space firms.The trouble is that, given SpaceX's achievements, it's a high bar to live up to, and the comparisons will increasingly become unfavorable the longer a company goes without bringing something new and substantial to the table.Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder of startup Phantom Space doesn't shy away from those comparisons. In fact, he claims his company aims to outdo Elon Musk's space firm when it comes to small, cost-effective payload launches.
Stumbled across an interview of Cantrell. Despite its run time not much about their rocket is actually discussed. From the few brief moments the topic was brought up Cantrell explained that the company is developing 3 "blocks" of the Daytona rocket. He explained that Block1 will be primarily made of aluminum to reduce initial development cost and fast track the rocket to orbit. Once they have the data and capital they will develop a Block2 version which is the same rocket with "a lot of composite pieces". Nothing on Block3 was mentioned as he went on an unrelated tangent completely changing the topic mid explanation. Some additional tid bits are the company has secured SLC-5 at Vandy to launch from apparently slated for 2023 and they have clearance for up to 48 launches a year (doubt they use any of those). Link to the interview if anyone is intersted:https://spacebusiness.podbean.com/e/77-jim-cantrell-phantom-space/?fbclid=IwAR2Q6qJG9tH2ewrEsDe01VtLuOxAEHgDXjl-Z6oY3UUss_V08uuD5Q6-LMUI would advise against listening to it, Cantrell has mastered the art of saying nothing of substance despite talking for an hour. Edit: Incase anyone was curious as to the state of SLC-5. Lets just say they don't have a lot to work with.
Replying to my bold:So this is going to be a repeat of previous efforts where Cantrell slaps together a hodgepodge of old tech to show investors "progress," and then folds before Block 2 ever appears?I wonder how many times he can rinse and repeat this business model? That guy must throw some amazing fundraising parties.
I wonder how many times he can rinse and repeat this business model? That guy must throw some amazing fundraising parties.
I'm Very proud of the Phantom team and our partner Ursa Major Technologies in achieving this major milestone supporting the development of our Daytona Launch System. The 60 second test conducted at our interim test site located at Spaceport America, New Mexico was conducted smoothly. The test ran the planned full duration of 60 seconds with all vehicle and ground systems working nominally leading to a smooth shutdown. The pathfinder test stage used in this test is a combination of first and second stage systems allowing us to test those systems prior to production builds leading into the qualification of the Daytona Launch System.
We are proud to present to you our first successful hot fire test. This is an integral step in the development of our Daytona Launch System, and a proud accomplishment of our teams and suppliers. Special thanks to the teams at @ursamajortech & @Spaceport_NM for the support!
NASA Awards Phantom Launch Services Task Order for CSLI MissionNASA has awarded Phantom Space Corp. four task orders to launch four CubeSat Launch Initiative missions as part of the agency’s Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. The CubeSats will launch no earlier than 2024 on Phantom’s Daytona rocket.Building on NASA’s previous procurement efforts to foster development of new launch vehicles for NASA payloads, VADR provides Federal Aviation Administration-licensed commercial launch services for payloads that can tolerate higher risk. By using a lower level of mission assurance, and commercial best practices for launching rockets, these highly flexible contracts help broaden access to space through lower launch costs.Phantom is one of 13 companies NASA selected for VADR contracts in 2022. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manages the VADR contracts.Author Jason CostaPosted on November 25, 2022Categories CubeSat Launch Initiative, Kennedy Space Center, Launch Services Program, NASA, Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and RideshareTags commercial launch services, CSLI, CubeSats, Daytona rocket, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, Phantom, Phantom Space Corp., VADR, Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare
We’re pleased to announce PhantomSpaceCorp and D_Orbit have signed a contract for multiple launches where Phantom will provide launch services. We recently conducted a Daytona Pathfinder stage long-duration hot fire test & are expecting the first flight in early 2025.
So I guess these guys are still around.QuoteWe’re pleased to announce PhantomSpaceCorp and D_Orbit have signed a contract for multiple launches where Phantom will provide launch services. We recently conducted a Daytona Pathfinder stage long-duration hot fire test & are expecting the first flight in early 2025.https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/1722383652959457627?s=20
What is that thing, and what does it have to do with a long duration hot fire test?