SpaceDev Auctioning Microsatellite Mission On eBay
POWAY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov. 11, 2003–SpaceDev (OTCBB: SPDV) is auctioning a world exclusive private space mission on eBay. This first of its kind eBay auction is being listed for the ten-day period of 8:00 PM (PST) Monday, November 10, through 8:00 PM (PST) Thursday, November 20th.
The SpaceDev space mission auction is at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2572382454& category=45046&rd=1(Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser’s URL address field.)
Most earth orbiting small satellite missions can cost $25 million or more, not including the launch. To demonstrate the affordability of private space missions, SpaceDev has posted a “Buy it Now” price of $9.5 million which includes an insured launch and on-orbit insurance. The high bidder will win a spacecraft based on SpaceDev’s Maneuvering and orbit Transfer Vehicle (MTV(TM)).
“I founded SpaceDev to accelerate the development of space, to get the public involved in space, and to have fun,” said Jim Benson, SpaceDev founder and CEO. “With our successful launch and operation of CHIPSat earlier this year, and after being competitively selected to provide safe hybrid rocket propulsion for manned space flight, we are offering this unique space mission to the public.”
The high bidder has the right to supply his or her own payload, to name the SpaceDev MTV(TM) satellite and to name the mission. The winning bidder, which could be an individual, company or government agency, can also be involved in the mission design, satellite assembly and testing (including putting small personal items on the spacecraft), can attend the launch, and can participate in on-orbit operations.
The nominal payload is a camera that provides a view of the launch separation on-orbit, a buyer-controlled camera on the spacecraft looking back down on earth and into space 24 hours a day, or the buyer can supply a SpaceDev-approved payload. The microsatellite camera can be operated over the Internet by the winning bidder, similar to SpaceDev’s CHIPSat microsat, which is the world’s first orbiting node on the Internet. Specific terms are included in the eBay auction listing. Search eBay for “SpaceDev.”
About SpaceDev
SpaceDev is a publicly traded company that creates and sells affordable and innovative space products and services to government and commercial enterprises. SpaceDev’s offering includes the design, manufacture, marketing and operation of sophisticated micro- and nano- satellites, hybrid rocket-based orbital Maneuvering and orbital Transfer Vehicles (MTVs), as well as safe sub-orbital and orbital hybrid rocket-based propulsion systems. For more information, visit www.spacedev.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s business and future prospects and other similar statements that do not concern matters of historical fact. Forward-looking statements relating to product development, business prospects and development of a commercial market for technological advances are based on the Company’s current expectations. The Company’s current expectations are subject to all of the uncertainties and risks customarily associated with developing business ventures including, but not limited to, risks associated with new product development and availability of raw resources and suppliers, risks to marketed products and availability of financing and other sources of income, as well as risks discussed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this release and to read it in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-KSB, including the consolidated financial statements filed therewith. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or for any other reason.
Note: A photo is available at URL:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.111103/bb7