Boeing and DARPA (agency of the US Department of Defense) are working together to create and test a prototype for the program Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1).
Boeing will develop an autonomous and reusable aircraft capable of transporting and storing small satellites from 3.000 pounds (1.361 kg). Boeing and DARPA will jointly invest in the development of the system.
Once the aircraft - called Phantom Express - will reach the expected orbit, release a load module (to lose) and then return to Earth. Once landed on a runway the XS-1 will be replenished for the next launch by applying maintenance principles similar to those of traditional aircraft.
"Phantom Express is designed to transform traditional satellite launch by creating new capability that can be achieved more cost-effectively and with less risk."said Darryl Davis, president of Boeing Phantom Works
The Aerojet Rocketdyne AR-22 engine, a modern version of the main engine of the Space Shuttle (designed to be reusable and powered by oxygen and liquid hydrogen) will equip the Phantom Express.
For the test phase, Boeing and DARPA are planning to make 10 consecutive launches in 10 days.
(images: Boeing)
