SpaceDev plans to develop a low-cost, small-satellite launch vehicle, the Streaker. The booster, powered by nitrous oxide liquid oxidiser and HTPB solid fuel, could place 450kg (990lb) into low-Earth orbit at a cost "less than existing or planned small launch vehicles", the US company says.
The Streaker will use common core boosters using hybrid propulsion technology developed by American Rocket (Amroc), whose assets were acquired by SpaceDev. The company is already developing an orbital transfer vehicle for the US Air Force powered by Plexiglas and nitrous oxide propellants.
The Streaker-based system is a candidate to provide the boost for Scaled Composites' planned SpaceShipOne suborbital spaceplane.
Source: Flight International
