There are three versions of Lynx
that XCOR plans to build. The Lynx
Mark I, at XCOR’s Mojave facilities
undergoing development, is a
prototype spacecraft that will serve
as a test vehicle. It is due to begin
its flight test program this year. Its
equipment and systems will be
tested until the full flight profile has
demonstrated capability.
Once complete, the craft will be
licensed as a launch vehicle under
Federal Aviation Administration rules
to provide commercial services. This
version will primarily be used to train
pilots and crew for the Lynx Mark
II and is only made to reach an
altitude of about 200,000 feet.
Lynx Mark II is the version that
will take tourists and commissioned
payloads into sub-orbital space.
It will undergo construction and
assembly as the Lynx Mark I is
going through its development
program. This is the craft which will
carry passengers so they can get
the experience of being in space,
as it takes them to a weightless
environment at the peak of the
flight, along with a view of the
curvature of the earth against an
infinite backdrop.
The Lynx Mark II will also carry
microgravity and biotechnological
experiments to take advantage
Artist rendering of the Lynx suborbital vehicle.
of its internal payload volume. This
version of Lynx will use identical
propulsion and avionics systems
as its predecessor, but it will have
a lower dry weight leading to a
higher performance due to key
innovations currently proprietary to
XCOR. It is designed to reach an
altitude of 328,000 feet as long as
specific payload weight limits are
achieved.
The third version of the spacecraft
will be derived from the Mark II
Graphic: XCOR Aerospace/Mike Massee
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Image: XCOR Aerospace/Mike Massee
model, with several modifications
for enhanced payload capability.
This will be achieved by adding
a dorsal pod to the body of the
craft, allowing for up to 650 kg
additional payload, which can
be in the form of experiments, or
even small satellites. This Lynx Mark
III model will have upgrades to its
core structure, landing gear, and
aerodynamics. It will also receive
needed improvements to the
power of its propulsion system to
accommodate the extra weight it
will be modified to carry.
So if you wanted to take a ride on
Lynx, here is how it would work. First,
you will have to purchase a ticket,
which comes with a price tag of
about $100,000 per flight. However,
you cannot just buy a ticket and
hop into the passenger seat. XCOR
will thoroughly educate you and
conduct a screening process prior
to flight preparation. You will then
need to undergo medical screening
and G-force training with other
space tourists before you aim for
the stars. XCOR is currently offering
reservations for future flights. To
begin the application process, go
to www.xcor.com, and click on the
link for ticket purchasing.
When it is time to fly, you will be
outfitted with a fully pressurized suit
in case an emergency situation
should arise. The cabin is pressurized,
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