AirLaunch's QuickReach Small Launch Vehicle: Development Status of Phase 2B Session: D2.1. Launch Vehicles in Service or in Development Debra Facktor Lepore, President

摘要

AirLaunch LLC is developing the QuickReach~(TM) booster under the DARPA/Air Force Falcon Small Launch Vehicle program. Valued at $17.8 million for a one-year effort, the Falcon Phase 2B contract activity enables AirLaunch and its team of subcontractors to continue developing the QuickReach~(TM) small satellite booster. The Falcon SLV program goal is to develop a vehicle that can launch 1,000 pounds to low earth orbit for less than $5 million with only 24 hours notice. AirLaunch's design achieves responsiveness by carrying its QuickReach~(TM) booster to altitude inside the cargo bay of an unmodified C-17A or other large cargo aircraft. In 2005, Team AirLaunch completed Phase 2A on time and on budget with significant hardware and testing, including four engine test firings, a stage separation test, ground drop test, and a C-17 drop test in September 2005. The goal is to complete Phase 2B with a successful Critical Design Review this fall, receive approval to continue into Phase 2C for a demonstration launch, and work with DARPA and the Air Force toward a first flight in 2008. This paper will discuss the progress to date of AirLaunch and potential flight opportunities on the QuickReach~(TM) vehicle.