Broadening its search for a small, low-cost, quick-reaction launch vehicle, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has invited "innovative" proposals under its Force Application and Launch from Continental USA (FALCON) programme.
The agency has invited proposals for Phase 2 of Task 1 under the FALCON programme, which covers development and demonstration of a small launch vehicle (SLV). DARPA envisages two highly common versions of the low-cost SLV: a small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) capable of placing a 450kg (1,000lb) payload into low Earth orbit; and the ECLV, capable of delivering the 900kg Enhanced Common Aero Vehicle (ECAV) anywhere on Earth within 2h. ECAV, being developed under Task 2 of the FALCON programme, is a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle carrying a 450kg penetrator or other munitions.
Requirements for the SSLV include a total launch cost including range fees of less than $5 million, at a notional launch rate of 20 a year, with the system able to achieve alert status within 24h of call-up and to launch a satellite within 24h from alert status. The ECLV is to achieve alert status in less than 24h and launch in less than 2h, and accommodate a surge rate of 16 launches in 24h.
DARPA awarded SLV system definition contracts last November to AirLaunch, Andrews Space, Exquadrum, KT Engineering, Lockheed Martin, Microcosm, Orbital Sciences, Schafer and Space Exploration. Phase 1 work was completed in May, and the agency has reopened the SLV programme to wider bidding. Multiple Phase 2 contracts are planned, but DARPA expects to downselect in early 2005 for an SSLV orbital flight demonstration by mid-2007.
Phase 3, due to begin in mid-2007, covers the flight test of an integrated ECAV and ECLV. Andrews Space, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are developing concepts for the ECAV under Phase 1, Task 2 of the FALCON programme. An ECAV flight demonstration is planned for late 2007/early 2008.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
