LOW EARTH ORBIT FREIGHTER One of the low-cost low Earth orbit freighters for transporting Powersat to space is shown on its launch pad just prior to launch. It is a single-stage-to-orbit fully reuseable launch vehicle with a 1/2 million pound payload capacity. It weighs about 22 million pounds on liftoff with an empty weight of about 2 million pounds. It utilizes two different propellants during the early ascent phase with LH2/LO2 being the primary propellant and RP1/LO2 for boost assist during the first 110 seconds. The technology and materials are similar to those developed on the Saturn Program but grant the added features of greater safety, water-cooled reuseable heat shield and fully sealed engine compartments. The primary flight mode is a once-around orbit with the payload being deployed on the backside of the orbit. The payload would have its own propulsion unit to provide for circularization and docking.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==