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The Cosmopolis
XXI Aerospace System consists of a carrier aircraft, the M-55X
Geofizika plane, and a manned rocket module, the C-21. The module
is a lifting body Reusable Launch Vehicle built around a 3-seat
passenger capsule. It also includes an engine unit and an
equipment compartment with rescue and environmental control / life
support systems.
The Cosmopolis
XXI will be launched off the fuselage of a M-55X high-altitude
Geofizika plane, also made by Myasishchev enterprises. The
Geofizika will fly to an altitude of 17 km (56,100 feet). A
connection between the carrier and the rocket module will provide
information on status and control of all rocket module systems
before take off and separation. When the trajectory angle reaches
40-60 degrees to the
horizon, the locks will be disengaged and the rocket module will
separate from the M-55X. At a safe distance from the carrier
aircraft, the C-21šs rocket engine will be automatically ignited.
The rocket module will then climb steadily under rocket power, on
a gradual trajectory up to maximum altitude, around 100 km (54 nmi).
Once the rocket engine burns out, it will separates from the crew
compartment. The C-21 will then continue to gain altitude and the
passengers will experience zero-gravity conditions for 3 - 5
minutes, after which the C-21 will reenter the atmosphere. During
the descent phase back to Earth, control surfaces are extended for
optimal aerodynamic performance. The landing is divided into the
glide-phase and the final parachute-assisted touch down. The
sub-orbital flight will last for 60 to 90 minutes. Four days of
space flight orientation including centrifuge, zero-gravity and
high-altitude jet flight training, as well as safety and onboard
system lessons are expected to be required.
Two
carrier-planes of the M-55X Geofizika series have already been
built. A model of the tourist spaceship will soon be tested in an
aerodynamic wind tunnel.
Suborbital
Corporation estimates it will cost US$10 million to build and test
the Cosmopolis XXI Aerospace System. The entire program envisages
acquiring two carrier aircraft and seven suborbital ships is
expected to cost approximately US$60 million. The project is being
financed by unnamed Western investors.

| Prime Contractor: |
Myasishchev
Design Bureau |
| Point of Contact |
Space
Adventures
4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 840
Arlington, VA 22203
Tel: 888.857.7223
Fax: 703.524.7176 |
| Launch Site: |
not
announced |
| Web Links: |
Cosmopolis
XXI Space Adventures Web Site |
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