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This is a sample of spent fuel burned by the rocket-powered SpaceShipOne during its ascent. The hybrid engine used both solid (rubber) and liquid (nitrous oxide) propellants. Both are relatively inexpensive and easy to handle, which makes them a good candidate for economical commercial spaceflight. SpaceShipOne won the $10 million Ansari X Prize in 2004 for repeated flights in a privately developed reusable spacecraft. It was designed to be a simple, robust, and reliable vehicle to make space travel and tourism affordable. The Museum removed this fuel byproduct upon receiving the spacecraft in 2005.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Propulsion Designer Scaled Composites
 Manufacturer Scaled Composites
 Dimensions Approximate: 1.9 x 6.4cm (3/4 x 2 1/2 in.)
 Materials Fuel by-product, SpaceShipOne
Propellants: Polybutadiene polymer rubber (fuel) and nitrous oxide (oxidizer)
Interior: fabric, plastic, metals, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Motor: composite (graphite epoxy), elastomeric compound, metal, ablative material
 Inventory Number A20050459003 Credit Line Gift of Paul G. Allen Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.