How do you deliver a 200kg payload packed with "militarily-relevant" stuff half-way around the world in under two hours?
If you know the answer, the US Department of Defense would like to invite you to attend a three-day technology forum at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, starting on 24 February.
Specifically, two DOD organizations -- the National Security Space Office and the Air Force Security Forces Center -- has issued a request for information for "Rapid Delivery of Military Capabilities via Space".
The goal of the RFI is to identify "existing commercial systems or low risk systems in development" that can transport a 200kg payload -- either an unmanned aircraft or unmanned ground vehicle -- up to 5,000nm from the launch site. The DOD also wants to know if the payload can be scaled up to 30,000lb.
The RFI mentions that the concept was based initially on the marine corps' small unit space transport and insertion (SUSTAIN) concept, which got so much press a few years ago.
If you know the answer, the US Department of Defense would like to invite you to attend a three-day technology forum at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, starting on 24 February.
Specifically, two DOD organizations -- the National Security Space Office and the Air Force Security Forces Center -- has issued a request for information for "Rapid Delivery of Military Capabilities via Space".
The goal of the RFI is to identify "existing commercial systems or low risk systems in development" that can transport a 200kg payload -- either an unmanned aircraft or unmanned ground vehicle -- up to 5,000nm from the launch site. The DOD also wants to know if the payload can be scaled up to 30,000lb.
The RFI mentions that the concept was based initially on the marine corps' small unit space transport and insertion (SUSTAIN) concept, which got so much press a few years ago.
on February 11, 2009 7:08 AM | Reply
hate to state the obvious, but this sounds like a modified spaceship 1 type mission. hate to militarize Rutan's baby but this sounds tailor made. especially when you see the illustrations-just plus size it to carry a platoon.