DARPA ALASA program economically launches satellites into space

DARPA ALASA program economically launches satellites into space
images courtesy of darpa

defense advanced research projects agency’s (DARPA) airborne launch assist space access (ALASA) program for sending small satellites into orbit, has successfully completed its phase one design and selection of boeing as the prime contractor for phase two. the update announcement was made at the 18th annual federal aviation administration’s commercial space transportation conference in washington D.C, and outlines the company’s aim to continue developing and testing new concepts. a reusable and low-cost plane that is based upon a conventional aircraft, would fly to high altitudes and then release the dispatch vehicle, as part of stage two, in order for it to extend towards its desired location.

‘we’ve made good progress so far toward ALASA’s ambitious goal of propelling 100-pound satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) within 24 hours of call-up, all for less than $1 million per launch,’ bradford tousley, director of DARPA’s tactical technology office said. ‘we’re moving ahead with rigorous testing of new technologies that we hope one day could enable revolutionary satellite launch systems that provide more affordable, routine and reliable access to space.’

‘ALASA seeks to overcome the limitations of current launch systems by streamlining design and manufacturing and leveraging the flexibility and re-usability of an air-launched system,’ said mitchell burnside clapp, DARPA program manager for ALASA. ‘we envision an alternative to ride-sharing for satellites that enables satellite owners to launch payloads from any location into orbits of their choosing, on schedules of their choosing, on a launch vehicle designed specifically for small payloads.’

the vehicle separates from the aircraft and continues towards its intended location

the DARPA ALASA program is enhancing an array of highly-advanced and experimental technology. the implementation of a high-energy monopropellant which aims to combine fuel and oxidizer into a single liquid, would provide a simpler design and also reduce both the manufacturing and operation costs. the use of runway infrastructures instead of fixed vertical launch sites, is another aspect of the project which would help decrease its cost and also enables there to be a more streamlined mission-planning process. DARPA are planning to continue to develop the possibilities of part two, with the intention of testing the monopropellant in 12 launches that would start in late 2015.

once there, the satellite is deployed

[h/t] gizmag