Proof of technology
The core principles of X-Stations will be tested under actual stratospheric conditions, according to the following schedule:
- 1st Launch of a balloon with sensor to 30 km altitude for data collection in March 2006 (completed)
- 2nd Launch of an X-Station™ prototype model with a payload plane (without payload) in September 2006 (completed)
- 3rd Launch of a small scale X-Station™ (12m blimp) to validate the ascent and controlled expansion processes in March 2007
- 4th Launch of a small scale X-Station™ (30m blimp) to further validate technology, including thermal control, flight termination procedures and a safe parachute descent in 2008
X-Station project has been designed using a modular approach. Different size X-Station models are being developed progressively as the technology available for subsystems increases:
| Model | Payload capacity | |
| X-100S | 100kg | |
| X-300S | 300kg | |
| X-600S | 600kg | |
| X-1000S | 1'000kg | |