The Airborne Launch Assist Space Access (ALASA) award contracts Boeing to analyze affordable, aircraft-based satellite launch platforms that can quickly deploy small satellites or payloads. The goal of ALASA is to generate a minimal threefold reduction in costs compared with current military and U.S. commercial launch costs.

   “We will apply experience from across Boeing in aircraft and launch system development and operation, as well as our proven rapid prototyping skills, to offer an innovative analysis to support this important DARPA mission,” Boeing Director of Advanced Space Exploration Steve Johnston said in a statement. “ALASA will expand our knowledge of launch system solutions that can be integrated into existing operational aircraft with minimal modifications.”