PRESS RELEASERocketplane Kistler and Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation Sign MOU for Commercial Launch Support of the ISS Japanese Experiment Module UtilizationNew York City. April 17, 2007--Rocketplane Kistler, Inc. (RpK) and Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) announced today that the companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide commercial launch service support to Japanese users to the International Space Station (ISS).The Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”, along with the accompanying Logistics Module, robot arm and the Exposed Facility platform on the back of the module, represent more than 10 years of development work by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA is committed to finding and supporting both commercial and government users of its facilities on the ISS. JAMSS is a private corporation established to support the operations and utilization of the Japanese assets and resources of the ISS. JAMSS is providing a user-friendly commercial interface between experimental payload developers and users and the ISS infrastructure. One of the key requirements for effective utilization is reliable and affordable transportation to and from the ISS, and the MOU between RpK and JAMSS is intended to fill this need.“With the affordable routine launch services that will be provided by RpK through its K-1 reusable space transportation system and the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) public-private partnership, we now have all of the elements necessary to provide end-to-end services for all types of ISS users, both domestic and foreign.” said Kazuhide Todome, Managing Director of JAMSS. “Having readily available commercial transportation services to the ISS for both upmass and downmass is critical to attracting users for Japanese investment in ISS facilities and resources. The K-1 launch vehicle shall provide a key service to JAMSS and the ISS user community”.“We believe that there will be many types of commercial users of the ISS resources once assembly is complete in the next few years,” said George French, Chairman of RpK. “JAMSS is taking a strong leadership role in developing and supporting this user community, and we are proud to be a part of the JAMSS team by providing the necessary transportation services to and from the ISS.” “The NASA COTS program is intended to nurture exactly this sort of new commercial collaboration, and draw new customers to utilize the unique environment of space and the capabilities of the ISS stated, CEO and President, Randy Brinkley. By teaming with JAMSS and JAMSS America, we now have a ‘one stop shopping’ business environment for ISS customers, providing an integrated package of transportation and on-orbit facilities and resources for all types of ISS users. ”About Rocketplane Kistler, Inc.Rocketplane Kistler (RpK) is positioned to become the first commercial space transportation company to design, develop and operate a fully reusable orbital launch vehicle, the K-1. This two-stage orbital launch vehicle will be capable of serving multiple customer markets, including International Space Station cargo re-supply, civil and military payload launches and commercial satellite launches. RpK is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rocketplane, Inc. In addition to RpK, Rocketplane is the sole shareholder of Rocketplane Global, Inc., which is developing the Rocketplane XP, a suborbital launch vehicle designed to carry passengers and other payloads to suborbital space. For more information, please visit the website: www.rocketplane.com.About Japan Manned Space Systems CorporationJapan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) was established in 1990 as a systems integrator to bind mankind and space. Its primary functions are to safely and progressively expand the sphere of human activities in space and to foster a genuinely international society. Since its foundation, JAMSS has supported the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in developing "Kibo", the Japanese Experiment Module and contribution to the International Space Station Program; H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV); and Space Shuttle mission related activities.
bad_astra - 17/4/2007 4:08 PMJust saw that off of Hobbyspace. That's excellent news for RpK. I wonder if JAXA is going to just go ahead and drop HTV. This would be cheaper.
Jim - 17/4/2007 3:22 PMQuotebad_astra - 17/4/2007 4:08 PMJust saw that off of Hobbyspace. That's excellent news for RpK. I wonder if JAXA is going to just go ahead and drop HTV. This would be cheaper.K-1 hasn't been proven and the HTV satisified IP obligations not commercialThis is no different than the RPK and Bigelow MOU.
Jim - 17/4/2007 3:22 PMK-1 hasn't been proven and the HTV satisified IP obligations not commercialThis is no different than the RPK and Bigelow MOU.
simonbp - 17/4/2007 7:59 PM'Except that it's a bit more likely that Kibo will fly than Bigelow's station...Simon
Norm Hartnett - 19/4/2007 9:10 PMQuotesimonbp - 17/4/2007 7:59 PM'Except that it's a bit more likely that Kibo will fly than Bigelow's station...Simon I wonder what the odds really are? Anyone know a Las Vegas bookie?
