Volksrocket X-3 - A low-cost manned space project

A review of the design, testing, and costs of a private single-stage man-carrying rocket to be developed by Truax Engineering, Inc., is presented. The technical feasibility of building a rocket capable of taking one man to an altitude in excess of 50 miles and returning both the man and the rocket to earth safely, is assessed. The overall program cost is estimated to be only $875,725.00 and it is expected to be achieved by an adherence to a minimal objective, and by the use of well proven but surplus components. A list of tests, including bench tests, captive firing tests, and drop tests, is given; major items of the test equipment to be used, including one CEC-36 channel oscillograph, two 8 channel Brush recorders, and one 3-axes gyro test table are listed.