The SpaceDev space mission auction is here at eBay.

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).

"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 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."

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