Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations

The increased use of reusable systems continues to be one of the most promising options for creating advancements in the daily maintenance of rocket systems, lowering hours for preparation and diminishing expenses for preparation. However, since the end of the DC-X/XA Delta Clipper program, flight testing of candidate reusable launch vehicle (RLV) designs, technologies and operations has come to a halt. This project provides an opportunity to quickly jump-start domestic RLV flight-based test and evaluation through the innovative use of an proven test vehicle design that has already been developed and flown by a joint industry-academic team. By leveraging previous design and development efforts, flight testing will actually commence in Phase I. This research will focus on conducting a rapid (i.e. - same day) turn-around between flights to identify and assess key operational factors. A subsequent Phase II vehicle would incorporate lessons learned from these initial demonstrations, along with more advanced technologies to expand the RLV flight research envelope. It could also serve as a prototype for an operational RLV that might eventually replace the expendable first stage(s) of small launch vehicles (SLVs) now in development.