DARPA Prepares to Build the Next Space Shuttle
Ron Czapala
Posts: 2,418
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/08/darpa-prepares-to-build-the-next-space-shuttle.aspx
This time, it will fly without a pilot -- and won't go to space.
For two years now, we've been following the progress of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's "XS-1" project, a continuing mission to build a reusable vehicle for launching small payloads into orbit.
After releasing the payload, XS-1 will land like an airplane, refuel, and be ready to launch again the next day. Ideally, DARPA wants its space shuttle to be so reliable and so reusable that it can fly "10 times in 10 days."
Also, XS-1 will have no pilot. It will be a drone.
This time, it will fly without a pilot -- and won't go to space.
For two years now, we've been following the progress of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's "XS-1" project, a continuing mission to build a reusable vehicle for launching small payloads into orbit.
After releasing the payload, XS-1 will land like an airplane, refuel, and be ready to launch again the next day. Ideally, DARPA wants its space shuttle to be so reliable and so reusable that it can fly "10 times in 10 days."
Also, XS-1 will have no pilot. It will be a drone.