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Question:

April 5, 2008

Why New Mexico?

Good morning, I am a student at the University of New Mexico majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I was wondering why of all places you would base your rocket racing team out of New Mexico?

Thanks for your time,

Keith

Answer:

April 5, 2008


Thanks for your interest, Keith.

Marc (team owner) and I are both based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, so we decided the team should take on the personality of the region. Besides, there's lots of spaceflight activity in New Mexico, both in the past and future. The White Sands Missile Range has been launching rockets since the 1940s, and the future Spaceport America in southern New Mexico will host launches for the exciting space tourism industry. The Rocket Racing league is also based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Keep a close eye on New Mexico, Keith; we're becoming the new "it" place for commercial spaceflight.

Paul Novacek
V.P/Crew Chief

Question:

April 12, 2008

Engine Horsepower?

What type of engine and how much horsepower is going to make this Rocket Racer run?

Stacey

Answer:

April 13, 2008

Thanks for your interest, Stacey,

The power output of rocket engines, and jet engines, are not measured in horsepower, but in pounds of thrust. The first series of Rocket Racers will have a 1,500-pound thrust rocket engine, burning LOX (liquid Oxygen) and Kerosene. This fuel combination burns bright yellow, resulting in a spectacular 20-foot flame and ground shaking sound, louder than a modern fighter jet.

The onboard tanks of LOX, Kerosene and Helium (used to power the engine pump) provide a total burn time of four minutes. The pilot can shut-down and restart the engine in flight for extended glide periods, resulting in typical flights lasting up to 15 minutes.

Paul Novacek
V.P/Crew Chief