XC Small Satellite Launch Services
The Rocketplane XC small satellite delivery system operates as a reusable rocketplane. Fully fueled at take off, the XC uses jet engines to ascend to 35 - 40,000 ft. The rocket engines then carry the vehicle to approximately 100 km, at a speed of approximately 2.3 km/s. The second stage deploys the small satellite to orbit, while the airplane glides back to the upper atmosphere. The engines engage for a safe conventional aircraft landing back at the airport.
Our vehicles are designed with high reusability and fast turnaround. The XC was designed in Canada and has engineering teams available in Switzerland and Germany. The methane/LOX rocket engines are being designed and built in Canada. The rocket engines should be reusable for 1,000 flights with minimal turnaround between flights. With the vehicle assembled in Canada it should be free of ITAR restrictions. It can fly long distances on jet engines, so it can fly on its own power to any airport and be used as a first stage for satellite launch from most countries.
