The RASCAL program is developing and demonstrating low-cost space access for small payloads to low Earth orbit. The RASCAL system will consist of a first-stage reusable launch vehicle employing mass injection pre-compressor cooled turbojet engine technology and an upper expendable rocket vehicle designed with high mass fraction rocket stages.

In the second phase, Space Launch Corp. will design, develop and reduce the risk of critical technology.

Based on the results of phase two, DARPA will determine whether to continue on into phase three, fabrication, integration and flight-demonstration of two payloads in FY 2006.

The specific technical objectives of RASCAL include:

• Mission turn-around time within 24 hours of payload arrival;
• Delivery of a 75-kilogram payload into a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit;
• Recurring launch costs for the RASCAL operating system of $750,000 per launch for a 75-kilogram payload; and
• The ability to operate from a 2,500-meter runway with minimal peculiar support equipment and independent of test ranges for telemetry and tracking support.

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