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Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9300-05-M-3010
Agency Tracking Number: F051-201-0061
Amount: $1,032,640.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF05-201
Solicitation Number: 2005.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-05-05
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-02-06
Small Business Information
389 Haines Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90814
United States
DUNS: 004957598
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Garvey
 Project Manager
 (714) 659-6930
 jmgarvey@garvspace.com
Business Contact
 John Garvey
Title: CEO / President
Phone: (714) 658-6930
Email: jmgarvey@garvspace.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

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.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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