DARPA(Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency)
have contracted BOEING to develop a new launch system concept for launching microsatellites,
which will reduce the normal cost of putting a satellite into its orbit up to
60%. They are calling it Airborne
Launch Assist Space Access or ALASA.
BOEING have to develop ALSA in 11 month time period, under $30.6-million with options to build up to 12 of the
24-foot vehicles.
This new launch system basically aimed at the
development of a launch vehicle which will be hitchhike on an F-15E high in the
atmosphere. At a certain height the vehicle will be dropped and it will fire
its boosters and put the microsatellite into its orbit.
How advanced than normal launch vehicle:
The normal launch vehicles used till todays are not so cost effective. They have multistage firing system with very complex machinery. Every stage rocket have its separate fuel carried along with it. First stage rockets are dropped after they get exhausted, there size is relatively larger among other stage rockets or satellite. Boeing's design takes the concept one step further and shifts traditional thinking when it comes to today's launch vehicles.
"As these stages are jettisoned (or dropped), the fuel
tank and engines are just thrown away. We developed a cost-effective design by
moving the engines forward on the launch vehicle. With our design, the first
and second stages are powered by the same engines, reducing weight and
complexity," explained Steve Johnston, director, Advanced Space
Exploration.
PAYLOAD
CAPACITY: up to 45 kg or 100 pounds
No Comment to " BOEING to develop launch vehicles for DARPA "