Currently, there's only one way of launching a satellite: from the ground on a booster rocket. This is an expensive, long process, as it can take several weeks or even months to prepare the launchpad. Furthermore, an unforeseen weather change can scrap the whole preparation.That's why the ALASA program (Airborne Launch Assist Space Access) by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) seeks to reduce cost, time and weather constraints.
“Current small satellite payloads can cost up to $30,000 per pound to launch, which is unsustainable over the long haul. Even when our increasingly capable small satellites are launched, they are obliged to go to orbits selected by the primary payload on current launchers, rather than to the orbits their designers and operators would prefer,” said Mitchell Burnside Clapp, DARPA program manager.
The vision is for an aircraft to carry the small satellite and its host-booster either inside the aircraft or externally. At the desired altitude and direction the aircraft releases the satellite and booster, which continue their climb into space. A key benefit of such a system is responsiveness to an immediate need. Within a day of being called up, a satellite launch mission could be conducted from a runway anywhere in the world. Another advantage is the flexibility of an aircraft to deliver a satellite into any desired orbit at any time.
Innovative technologies required for the ALASA program include propellant systems, possible in flight liquid oxygen production, flight controls and nozzle designs amongst others.
Among the significant limitations stand the restricted aircraft payload capacity and safety issues related to highly explosive chemicals.
Via: DARPA Press Release
Among the significant limitations stand the restricted aircraft payload capacity and safety issues related to highly explosive chemicals.
Via: DARPA Press Release
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