Today it is all understand that flights into space - is not no whim on the part of scientists who would like to break so nourishing food bowl, but a necessity. But the laws of physics are adamant: to conquer the Earth#39;s gravity and get off the ground on a rocket, it must be filled to capacity with fuel, so that the utility of its load is nothing at all.
How to be what to do, how to reduce the cost of orbital space program? These are questions of exceptional importance, so it is hardly surprising that such a well-known organization like DARPA, now organizes the development of devices that can significantly reduce the cost of running the same satellites, and thus improve the overall efficiency of the U.S. space industry.
How is this supposed to accomplish? And here#39;s how: through the implementation of programs to create reusable hypersonic unmanned aircraft, which could start with a conventional terminal and capable at the same time to go into orbit. It is estimated that the cost of operating such a device, as well as its reliability, should correspond to the performance of conventional aircraft, which, of course, at times will help reduce the cost of launching satellites and delivering a payload to the ISS.
The fact that the main advantage of the satellites in all other ways information from the ground is only they - whether they civilian or military, - receiving the information provided in real time, and it is extremely important to provide strategic advantages the national security of any country. The current generation of launch vehicles, however, are very expensive to operate, because of what the cost of a flight into space for them can be hundreds of millions of dollars.
In addition, U.S. launch vehicles fly only a few times a year and usually require planning for several years to come, which is why it is very difficult to launch some new satellites as needed. A quick and affordable way to launch into space aircraft is thus all the more important for the defense of the United States, which has already long been said and written by specialists from NASA and the Department of Defense.
To solve this problem, DARPA initiated the start of the pilot program Spaceplane (XS-1). It aims to create a fully reusable unmanned vehicle, a kind of space vehicle.
It is assumed that this car does not require such a complex and ground services such expensive dedicated infrastructure as modern disposable missile systems. Ideally, this will make almost daily flights into low orbit space, and it will be based on the most common air bases. That is, the XS-1 will launch small satellites much more quickly and at an affordable price, and, of course, it will be a regular contributor to the development of advanced space technologies for the next generation of aircraft capable of carrying hypersonic flight, both for the public and for commercial users.
We want to build on the proven technology reliable and cost-effective delivery system of satellites in orbit that could make it a one, that is, start and return to the land during the day - said Jess Sponabl, program manager for XS-1. - We are looking for the most creative solutions where possible. As always, DARPA is ready to look for these latest solutions around the world and assembles a team of experts, inviting them everywhere, appealing to all who may be interested over the internet.
General idea of the project to date are as follows: provided that the space plane XS-1 will have a reusable first stage that is capable of taking off from the airport on a regular conventional chassis, but still get the opportunity to fly at hypersonic speeds and, accordingly, on sub-orbital space orbits.
At this point, one or several modules consumables XS-1 will have to be separated from him and bring onboard a satellite in low Earth orbit. Then hypersonic plane returns to Earth, where he filled in for the next flight. Modular components, systems, thermal plating, test equipment, and fueling systems shall be designed so as to significantly reduce logistics costs, which again would reduce the time for its maintenance between flights.
It is believed that the ideal ratio, based on the criterion of cost-effectiveness for the XS-1 would be a next starting frequency: 10 times in 10 days. In this case, it should reach a speed of 10 with max payload on board. The program also aims to reduce the cost of launching small satellites into space, so that the current value is 10 times lower, namely - no more than $ 5 million per flight.
XS-1 will complement the ongoing program of DARPA ALASA, the essence of which is to learn how to run a 100-pound satellite into orbit in less than $ 1 million, which is planned to run them from the board of most conventional aircraft.
XS-1 is designed to help break the cycle starts when getting into more expensive because there are less and less! - Sponabl said. - This would also make further progress in the field of practical technology of hypersonic aircraft and to increase opportunities for new satellite technologies, which, of course, very important.
To this we can only add that yes, of course, today, satellites and expensive because their creators know their value and try to create them jacks of all trades. There can be no experiments to test new parts and equipment - launch price in the truest sense of the word keeps designers by the throat.
The loss of the satellite at launch today almost a disaster. In any case, the losses are very high every time. But if a lot of satellites, the cost of each would have fallen at times, and failure to start one or two any special role would not play because the number of start-ups in this case offset quality. Well, the security of any satellite system is literally right there would be increased many times over. Not for nothing did the Chinese say that you can not keep all your eggs in one basket. That#39;s exactly the same thing today and the situation with the satellites!
