DARPA’s new Experimental Spaceplane (XS 1).
Photo: DARPA

[Via Satellite 09-19-13] DARPA has established the Experimental Spaceplane (XS 1) program to develop a fully reusable unmanned vehicle that would provide aircraft-like access to space.

The vehicle is envisioned to operate from a “clean pad” with a small ground crew and no need for expensive specialized infrastructure. The setup would enable routine daily operations and flights from a wide range of locations. XS 1 seeks to deploy small satellites faster and more affordably, while demonstrating technology for next-generation space and hypersonic flight for both government and commercial users.

DARPA is currently open for ideas and technical proposals for how to best develop and implement the XS 1 program. The agency has scheduled an XS 1 Proposers’ Day for Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. The agency also plans to hold one-on-one discussions with potential proposers on the following day, Oct. 8, 2013.

“How it’s configured, how it gets up and how it gets back are pretty much all on the table – we’re looking for the most creative yet practical solutions possible,” said Jess Sponable, DARPA program manager heading XS 1.