[Sat News] XCOR Aerospace and Masten Space Systems have announced a strategic business and technology relationship to pursue jointly the anticipated NASA sponsored unmanned lander projects. These automated lander programs are expected to serve as robotic test beds on Earth, on the lunar surface, Mars, near Earth objects and other interplanetary locales, helping NASA push the boundaries of technology and opening the solar system for future human exploration.

Masten's award winning automated vertical take off, vertical landing (VTVL) flight vehicles combined with XCOR's strong experience in liquid oxygen (LOX) / methane powered propulsion systems and nonflammable cryogenically compatible composite tanks, brings to NASA a powerful and competitive combination of innovative talent with a proven record of producing exceptional results quickly and affordably. Last October, Masten won the $1 million first prize for Level II of NASA's Lunar Lander Challenge, beating a host of New Space rivals and demonstrating they are the leading VTVL development group in the country. XCOR Aerospace has demonstrated successive advancement in the state of the art of reusable liquid rocket propulsion systems using pump fed and pressure fed engines, throttle-able engines, and in 2007 their LOX / methane engine developed for NASA was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "Inventions of the Year." XCOR and Masten have also demonstrated the ability to rapidly take from concept to live fire, new propulsion and control system designs using innovative rapid prototyping techniques that surpass client requirements in much shorter periods of time than traditional aerospace methods.