Suborbital Human Space Flight in The XP Spaceplane

Paper number

IAC-07-B3.2.05

Author

Mr. Charles Lauer, Rocketplane Ltd., United States

Year

2007

Abstract

The XP spaceplane now being developed by Rocketplane Kistler will begin commercial flight service in 2009. The vehicle is a horizontal takeoff and landing desing which uses jet engines for takeoof and landing and a LOX kerosene rocket engine for the ascent into space.

This paper will describe the flight experiences, the training necessary prior tothe flight, and the safety and operational issues associated with commerical suborbital space flight in the US.

Various specialty and customized charter flight applications for the XP are now being developed, such as advertising, combination research and tourist flights, and even a wedding in space charter flight.  These applications will be discussed in the context of both vehicle operations and market development issues.  Regulatory matters with the FAA / AST will be discussed.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B3.2.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B3.2.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.