"As I promised in May, we intended to launch STABILO-ELL
vehicle in autumn of 2008. There were several events that forced
us to delay the launch.

First, we are switching from monopropellant to hybrid propulsion.
Inevitable, this leads to delays. The hybrid propulsion is the
one that we are using for the Google Lunar X Prize Competition.
STABILO was designed to become the ELE’s first stage and
we planed to use hybrid propulsion for this launch.

Second, when we were about to start the propulsion tests, a personal
health problem prevented me to work within the team. The tests
were put on hold. I wasn’t available for about three months.

Finally, the team focused on the Haas orbital rocket launcher
and on our governmental programs.

The team resumed the work on the Stabilo-ELL suborbital vehicle
two month ago, after my return. We rescheduled the Stabilo-ELL
launch for the begining of 2009. We hope to avoid further delays.
For this end of the year I just hope that you will enjoy the Haas
vehicle. We wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
- Dumitru Popescu, ARCA Team Leader

Haas photo gallery

Stabilo engine photo gallery

ARCA website