With the development of new technology by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), satellites launched by jets will soon be possible and less expensive.

ALASA, which stands for Airborne Launch Assist Space Access, is intended for smaller satellites (about 100 pounds or less) and will be able to get a satellite into low Earth orbit in a single day. Under the current system, it can take years to schedule a government launch.

Like Us on Facebook

The program doesn't require a fixed launch site and heavy manpower required in a typical launch. Instead, a launch vehicle is attached to a jet and flown to high altitude. The vehicle separates from the jet and ignites its first stage boosters. That rockets the payload into orbit.

Defense department satellites currently wait for years before launch due to the scarcity of launch sites and lift-off opportunities. At present, multiple satellites often launch together aboard single rockets.

"We envision an alternative to ride-sharing for satellites that enables satellite owners to launch payloads from any location into orbits of their choosing, on schedules of their choosing, on a launch vehicle designed specifically for small payloads," said Mitchell Burnside Clapp, DARPA program manager for ALASA.

The technology is similar to Orbital's Pegasus rocket, which DARPA helped develop in 1990. ALASA uses a different propulsion system and is meant to carry satellites that have advanced a lot in the last 25 years.

Phase one of development selected three designs to place small satellites into space at a cost of US$1 million or less.

A monopropellant combining fuel and oxidizer into a single liquid is being tested for use aboard the launch vehicle. If these tests are successful, this development could bring about simpler, less expensive launch systems, and reduce launch delays and costs.

DARPA awarded Boeing complete development of the second phase of the project, including advanced composite structures and avionics.

TagsDARPA, Airborne Launch Assist Space Access, ALASA, jets, Satellite, satellite launching using jets, rockets, satellite technology