To promote the private space industry, OCP and it's partners have developed a traveling New Space exhibit. The first part of the exhibit was built in 2006 and consisted of a 27 foot simulator trailer containing two rocket powered aircraft simulators. A full sized rocket powered vehicle mock up and an operational vehicle are scheduled to be constructed in 2007.

The exhibit traveled to 15 different events ranging from airshows to Science Fiction conventions. Over 5000 people enjoyed the thrill of flying a rocket powered aircraft with ages ranging from eleven to over sixty and from all walks of life. Some of the notable flyers included Dick Rutan, Richard Hatch, Rick Tumlinson, and Peter Diamandis. All enjoyed the flights and were impressed with the experience.

During the tour we learned several valuable lessons 1) the majority of people have very little knowledge of what is happening in New Space or even with NASA and 2) our exhibit encourages people of all ages to learn more about science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and space.

At three of the most recent events we collected exit survey data to find out what kind of affect the OCP exhibit had on people. What we found was that over 88% of those ages 25 or under and 73% over 25 wanted to learn more about STEM after experiencing our exhibit. This is fantastic, as our exhibit was not designed as an educational tool but as a promotional vehicle. We believe that if we were to make minor changes to the presentation we could increase the percentages by 5 to 10%.

This data has encouraged us to make the changes to the exhibit that will allow us to promote STEM on our next tour. NASA effectively used space in the 1960s to excite people about technology and we believe we can do the same thing with our exhibit. We are currently looking for sponsors and education partners for our next tour.

If you want more information on the data collected in our exit surveys or on becoming a sponsor for our next tour please contact George Tyson at 321-244-2550.

Physical dimensions of the trailer:
Length: 24' (27' 7" with hitch)
Width: 8' 6"
Height: 9'
Air-conditioned
15000 watt gas generator
A 8' extendable canopy (provides shade for those who are waiting)
Two external 42" LCD HDTV displays
Two high fidelity static rocket trainer simulators
1 control console
10 laptop computer registration stations

The simulators are full size cockpits with functional instrumentation and six foot screens for out-of-cockpit views. The simulation is somewhat simplified for the average non-pilot in that there is no rudder control, trim tabs, fire suppression system or fuel dump switches. However, experts such as Dick Rutan have stated that it still accurately reproduces how a rocket powered aircraft, such as XCOR's EZ-Rocket, flies.

The control center, located in the waiting area, houses the four computers used for the simulation and trailer control. The four large LCD screens and two smaller ones allow the simulator control officer and those waiting to fly to monitor the progress of the people currently flying. It also allows the simulator control office to changed conditions of the simulation making the flight more or less challenging.

Guests were attracted to the exhibit by playing pre-recorded videos and live footage from inside on two 42" LCD screens. After registering for the OCP sweepstakes and receiving products provided by the sponsors, each guest was able to do a standard three minute flight. This allowed the guests to experience what it would be like to fly the rocket powered aircraft.

Mock up

A full scale fiberglass mock up of the rocket powered vehicle is to be constructed in 2007. This mock up will be used as a photo opportunity for exhibit guests. Each person will be allowed to sit in the mock up and have their picture taken by a professional photographer supplied by OCP and by friends and family. The picture taken by the OCP photographer will be available online for free and in hard copy for a nominal fee.

Flight Vehicle

The flight vehicle is to be operational by the end of 2007 and is to be used for demonstration flights at airshows and events located at airports. The demonstration flight will be done twice a day at each event.

Flight #1
The vehicle will be rolled-out onto the flightline where the ground crew dressed in orange jumpsuits will run out to prepare and fuel aircraft. The pilot is introduced as he/she walks and waves through a secured corridor in the crowd. After the pilot is in place and ready the vehicle is towed to the runway toward show center. A 10 second countdown is announced over the PA system followed by ignition of the rocket engines. The vehicle

will travel down the runway for only a matter of a few seconds, quickly lift off and pull 90 degrees straight up. The pilot will then turn off the engines, level off at show ceiling and begin the unpowered approach back to the tarmac. Upon touch-down the engines will roar back to life forcing the vehicle back to show ceiling demonstrating a touch-and-go. This time the unpowered approach will include demonstration of the excellent gliding capabilities of the vehicle. After touchdown the pilot will exit the vehicle, remove his/her helmet, sit or stand on the wing and wave to the crowd as the vehicle is towed off the runway.

Flight #2
The second flight will be just like flight one with the exception of the addition of an audience member who was randomly drawn from those who had signed up for the OCP sweepstakes.

These three parts allow a guest to have a complete experience. They can watch a flight, sit in the vehicle and then fly it. No other show or exhibit offers this type of excitement or guest immersion.