Employing the same informational approach Erik Seedhouse used in
"SpaceX" and "Bigelow Aerospace", this new book familiarizes space
enthusiasts with the company XCOR Aerospace and examines the design of
the two-seater Lynx. The new spaceplane's low weight and high octane
fuel confer important advantages, such as direct runway launches and the
ability to fly several times per day. Over the last 15 years, XCOR has
developed and built 13 different rocket engines, built and flown two
manned rocket-powered aircraft and has accumulated over 4,000 engine
firings and nearly 500 minutes of run time on their engines.
This book serves as a go-to reference guide for suborbital scientists
and those seeking to learn how one company has found success.
Additionally, it describes the medical and training requirements for
those flying on board the Lynx and the related critical roles of the
astronaut trainers and a new breed of commercial space pilots. The end
result is a thorough chronicle of the development of rocket propulsion,
avionics, simulator and ground support operations being put into play by
XCOR with the Lynx.