SpaceDev and Lockheed Martin plan to stack two or more SpaceDev MiniSIL(TM) spacecrafts onto a Lockheed Martin Athena launch vehicle, thereby filling the payload fairing with SpaceDev's standardized spacecraft buses.

SpaceDev will then solicit science or technology demonstration payloads to rideshare on these spacecrafts by selling "tickets" from a commercial price list which includes mission design, mission integration, integration into the spacecraft, system test, launch and mission operations. Customers may purchase a slot on one of the spacecraft, or they may purchase one or more entire spacecraft.

These smaller payloads generally weigh 55 to 120 pounds (25 to 55 kg) each and require a volume of approximately 2.8 to 11.25 cubic feet (.25 to one cubic meter). If requested, both launch and mission insurance can also be provided.

By making these secondary payloads into a primary business, customers can be assured of a ride to space with a schedule and program designed just for them. As a result, SpaceDev and Lockheed Martin believe the fledgling market for smaller payloads may burgeon into a multi-million dollar business annually.

Lockheed Martin envisions that launches of these smaller payloads eventually could account for 10 to 30 percent of the revenues for its Athena launch services business.

Jim Benson, chief executive officer of SpaceDev, said, "The selection of the Lockheed Martin Athena launch vehicle is important to us because it implements another part of our strategic plan to become a full service, vertically integrated space company offering a complete range of low cost space products and services. This moves us another step closer to realizing our long-term corporate goals."

"This new service should appeal to a number of individuals and organizations with ideas for small payloads," said Larry Price, director of Small Launch Vehicles for Lockheed Martin Astronautics. "With SpaceDev, we will seek opportunities in this underserved market."

SpaceDev is offering complete, fixed price packages for payload rides priced at approximately $4 million, or an entire spacecraft with customer payloads for approximately $17 million.

Both packages include project management, mission integration, spacecraft, payload integration and test, Athena launch service, launch campaign and range costs. Separately priced options include mission operations, ground systems, launch and payload insurance.

"Our innovative relationship with Lockheed Martin permits SpaceDev for the first time to combine reduced payload launch costs with our inexpensive MiniSIL(TM) satellites, and could help increase the overall demand for access to space because potential customers could get a bigger bang for their buck," said Benson.