Title:
Rotary Rocket Company: Revolution to Orbit
Gary C. Hudson
President & CEO, Rotary Rocket Company
Redwood Shores, CA

Abstract:

"...Challenge for Visionaries: How does the world change if bringing 5 lb into earth orbit costs $ 5000 ? ..."

Rotary Rocket Company is fermenting a revolution in low cost access to space, for humans as well as machines. In computer industry terms, current space tranportation providers are the "mainframe manufacturers". It is Rotary Rocket's goal to create and occupy the slot of "mini-computers" initially and "Personal Computers" eventually. This will enable economical flight into space on a daily basis.

The speaker will outline the plans for the current launch vehicle - the Roton -, due to fly in the year 2000, and address the initial market - telecommunications - that will make this possible. The Roton will be the world's first fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) commercial space vehicle, enabled by breakthroughs in propulsion technology and composite materials. Also, from day one, the Roton will have a two person crew. The reasons and implications of this will be discussed as well.