For the next two weeks, I’ll be in Mojave, California working with Masten Space Systems on anything they need help with. I interned with Masten Space Systems in the spring of 2009 and helped Michael Mealling with some business development stuff. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m going to keep working with them – and a two week “rocket vacation” is just what the doctor ordered.

Masten has a nice sized shop out here in Mojave. It includes desk space, a garage for the truck, another garage for the rocket vehicle, parts from all sorts of rockets and engines, and anything else they need. They also have a test site out in what is labeled A52 – or Area 52. That contains two pads, a test stand and a thick bunker wall protecting a viewing hut (Mom, don’t worry, nothing could get through said wall, except the snake that may or may not live under the wall). Mojave is the place to come for a lot of companies doing a lot of cool stuff – other companies based here include Scaled Composites and XCOR (and a whole bunch of other companies I can’t remember right now).

The guys just flew under a tether for the first time on Friday – and it went well. There are a few adjustments to make before we fly again, so I think those get kicked off today. I’m going to work on some wireless equipment that I’m familiar with from my Wandering WiFi days – we’re using that for communication out in the bunker… And I’m sure I’ll get stuck on a few more projects as the week goes on.

I’ll try and blog a few times about my experience out here in Mojave – partially because I’m sure it’ll be pretty fun – and partially because I’m awake WAY before anybody else as I’m on EDT.

Take care,

Colin