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

Propulsion: Solid Rocket Engines Ship Name: Cosmopolis XXI (C-21) Team Leader: Sergey Kostenko Location: Moscow, Russia Launch: Horizontal from runway Landing: Horizontal, unpowered on runway

Quote from Sergey Kostenko

"The successful realization of the X PRIZE will lead to true effective, commercial space business. The low operations cost and high passenger safety will make this project attractive for clients, organizers and sponsors. The X PRIZE will also lead to completely new consumer activities such as space sports competitions."

Flight Sequence

Take-off and landing will take place from the same location. Initial flights will be conducted out of a Russian Airforce facility. The M55 aircraft will be modified by the addition to two 2000 Kg thrust solid rocket boosters. The aircraft takes off under normal kerosene powered jet engines. Once in flight the M55 ignites the SRB's at altitude to gain additional velocity and a positive angle of attack. At this point the single solid rocket motor, a 7,000 kilogram motor with an ISP of 290 seconds, will ignite and take the spacecraft to 100 kilometers altitude.

The spaceship has a reaction control system (cold gas) for attitude control while in space. The spaceship utilizes heat-resistant shuttle tiles for its thermal control system during reentry. The spaceship has no propulsion during the landing phase and returns to its takeoff site as a glider.