The 23% scale test article representing the CXV capsule and its QuickReach II booster are shown one half second after release from the carrier aircraft, the Proteus operated by Scaled Composites. The Trapeze-Lanyard Air Drop (t/LAD) mechanism attached to the test article's nose is fully extended.
A test article dropped from the Scaled Composites' Proteus aircraft begins a slow rotation toward vertical, proving that the Trapeze-Lanyard Air Drop (t/LAD) method allows air-launching of rockets without the wings typically required to make the booster turn up towards orbit. A small parachute attached to the nozzle slows the rate of rotation.
The CXV and its two-stage booster would be air launched by a custom-built "Very Large Aircraft" shown in this sketch created by t/Space. The actual design for the VLA is proprietary to Scaled Composites and has not been released.
The CXV concept of operations starts with an air launch from a custom aircraft to be designed by Burt Rutan's Scaled Composites. After rendezvous with the International Space Station or a Crew Exploration Vehicle, the CXV returns via parachute to a water landing.
The t/Space Crew Transfer Vehicle (CXV) is shown preparing to rendezvous with one of two Crew Exploration Vehicles that are based in low Earth orbit.
The t/Space Crew Transfer Vehicle (CXV) can vastly improve the productivity of the International Space Station by delivering researchers and supplies at breakthrough lower costs.
Crew Exploration Vehicles as designed by t/Space will be space-based, remaining in low Earth orbit between expeditions. The launch vehicles will rendezvous with the CEV in orbit and transfer cargo, fuel, and astronauts for missions to the moon. This staged approach to the moon allows for extended visits in order to create a permanent base on the Moon, while proving the technology and strategy for a manned missions to Mars.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Sexy pics - where do I sign up?:)
2 - Floris Vermeir
Very intresting. It shows that new concepts are possible, and this one is very promissing.
Even the article used for the test, could be used to launch satelites whith, do certian test otherwise only done whith sounding rockets. And the like. There program is well researched, and looks far more realistic then others I have seen. They could even reuse the CEV's left on the moon, for use in a moon base, or perhaps refuel them and use them more than once. Perhaps as cargo transporters.
Nice pictures, they explain so much more then words do.
3 - Bennett
Floris - It is a flexible system, and these folks mean business. They do not want to be a sub-contractor to NASA, prefering to develop and deploy their own designs.
Take a look at their website. They have the science, astronauts, and backing. I wish them very well.
Aaman - :-] I'd suggest donating huge amounts of hard cash.
4 - Dave Nalle
Very clever idea. Both cheaper and safer than the space shuttle. When do they go public?
Dave
5 - Elliot Kulakow
I've been involved with the alt.space community for about two years now, and I can tell you that these guys are amazing. It's not just Scaled Composites and t/Space that are pushing the frontier, there are probably around ten companies seriously working for widespread, private access to space. None of them are especially great stock choices, in fact only a small fraction are even public, but that doesn't mean that there's no way to invest if you're interested. Do some research and talk to people, they'll be more than interested in investors, even if you're only talking a couple thousand dollars. Most of these programs are pretty low cost, that's enough money to be significant to them.
6 - Bennett
Dave - What Elliot says is true. If you've got the dinero, invest some of it with these guys. You could do a lot worse!
Bennett
7 - Bennett
I'd really appreciate your "short list" of companies you think are potential players. I have some of them I'm sure, but I may not have ALL of 'em!
Thanks Elliot!
8 - swingingpuss
Bennett, the pics are awesome and your enthusiasm for space exploration reflects well in the post .
9 - Bennett
Thanks swingingpuss! I had fun gathering the pictures from the t/Space website. I didn't use half of what they have available.
It really helps tell the story far better than plain text.