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DARPA's ALASA Could Pave Way For Cheaper, Faster Satellite Launches

Posted by timothy on from the cheaper-faster-better-ok dept.

hypnosec writes DARPA is all set to take its Airborne Launch Assist Space Access module (ALASA) program to the next level after the program has shown promising results toward its mission of sending 100-pound satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) for just $1 million per launch." ALASA is a new program that seeks to streamline production and encourage re-usability and interchangeability in satellite systems.

1 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Why not the spaceplane already built ~15 yrs ag by itzly · · Score: 5, Insightful

    From your link:

    Failures of the 21-meter wingspan, multi-lobe composite material fuel cells during pressure testing ultimately led to its cancellation as a federal program in 2001. Lockheed Martin has conducted unrelated testing, and has had a single success after a string of failures as recently as 2009 using a 2 meter scale model

    A 2-meter scale model of a suborbital craft doesn't sound like we're close to SSTO at all.