*The following is archival content from 2003, hosted on the original X PRIZE website, to maintain authenticity.

Propulsion: Undefined hydrocarbon rocket Ship Name: Thunderbird Team Leader: Steve Bennett Location: Chesire, England, United Kingdom Launch: Vertical Landing: Parachute Website: www.starchaser.co.uk Team Overview

Quote from Steve Bennett

"The X PRIZE competition provides an incentive that will legitimize as well as galvanize the efforts of all of those working to turn an age old dream into reality. We at the Starchaser Foundation believe that space is our destiny and space is our calling. As a tribute to the home of the X PRIZE perhaps one day our children will come to know St. Louis as the Gateway to the Stars!"

Flight Sequence

Thunderbird will begin her ascent in a vertical orientation using solid boosters and liquid rocket engines. At higher altitudes the main liquid oxygen/kerosene rocket engine will take over, becoming the major propulsive force in the now rarefied atmosphere. Acceleration will be kept below 3G's for the comfort of the passengers. Following main engine cut-off the vehicle will continue to coast on up to an apogee exceeding 100km where the occupants will experience several minutes of microgravity.