[Satellite Today 08-19-08] SpaceDev Inc. signed a multi-year contract with Scaled Composites to assist in the development of a production rocket motor for a commercial space vehicle designed for space tourism, SpaceDev announced Aug. 18.
    SpaceShipTwo, being designed by Virgin Galactic, is part of a complete space system that also includes the recently unveiled WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft. 
    Under the contract, SpaceDev will be the lead rocket motor team member for SpaceShipTwo and will collaborate with Scaled Composites’ internal design team to develop a production ready hybrid rocket motor. SpaceDev will provide engineering services to refine the design of the motor as well as provide the development, manufacture and integration of key components.
    The contract, which runs through 2012, has an initial value of about $15 million over the next two years.