Experimental Spaceplane One (XSP)
Abstract
The goal of the Experimental Spaceplane One (XSP) program is to develop and flight demonstrate a prototype booster and expendable upper stage with responsive aircraft-like operations. Past efforts have identified and demonstrated critical enabling technologies including composite or lightweight structures, propellant tanks, thermal protection systems, rocket propulsion and advanced avionics/software. A critically important technology gap is integration into a flight demonstration able to deliver aircraft-like operability. The program will validate key technologies on the ground, and then fabricate an X-Plane to demonstrate: 1) 10 booster flights in 10 days, 2) design the objective system for >3000-lb payload at a reduced cost, 3) fly the demonstration system one time with an orbital payload of 900-lbs, and 4) fly to a high staging speed (Mach 3-10). The anticipated transition partners are the Air Force, Navy and commercial sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 1ffd7e080b74b19ed044f5327f44999f