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| Las Cruces-based company Arca says its Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) rocket dubbed 'Haas 2CA' will be able to launch 100 kg (220lbs) of payload to low Earth orbit – and could get there in less than 5 minutes. Unlike typical, multi-stage systems, the design means the rocket won't have any additional stages to shed during its deployment |
- Arca has announced the engine of the Single Stage to Orbit rocket dubbed 'Haas 2CA' is ready for testing
- After ground tests, same engine will be integrated into the Demonstrator 3 rocket for a suborbital space flight
- It's designed for use with nano/micro satellites, and can carry a 100 kg (200lb) load, according to the firm
- The Haas 2CA will eventually launch 3,000 satellites weighing 1- 50kg (2 - 110lbs) between 2016 - 2022
- While most rockets rely on multiple stages, the aerospike engine allows it to adapt to altitude pressure drop
AEROSPIKE ENGINE
Using a linear aerospike engine dubbed the 'Executor,' the rocket can auto adapt to the altitude pressure drop, allowing the use of up to 30 percent less fuel.
'An aerospike engine exhaust jet ideally expands from sea level up to space,' the firm explains.
A classic 'bell-shaped' nozzle, on the other hand works efficiently at only one flight level, thus requiring multiple stages.
The system will perform a series of ground tests that will ultimately qualify the engine for flight, the company said.
After ground tests, the engine will be integrated into the Demonstrator 3 rocket that will perform a suborbital space flight up to an altitude of 120 km (75 miles) above the New Mexico desert.
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