Responsive Access Small Cargo Affordable Launch (RASCAL ...

payload at the 270 nmi circular orbit. An advantage to this alternative is that the upper
stages will become smaller each performing a smaller ∆V. A disadvantage of this
approach is that the fourth stage will add dry mass to the system as well as involve
another component that could fail. This could result in a lower total system reliability.
This alternative could result in an increased cost due to the addition of the extra stage.
(The GT RASCAL cost analysis will show this cost is actually made up for in the weight
reduction). This alternative configuration was closed in the internal iteration loop of the
DSM and this alternative resulted in the overall payload capacity of the baseline
RASCAL design increasing from 52 lbs to 211 lbs.
Alternative 4:
The fourth alternative involves combining the LOX hybrid with the fourth stage
kick motor. This will carry the advantages of improving the upper stages without altering
the first stage design. It will result in a slightly more expensive rocket than the baseline,
but will start to approach the payload numbers set out in the RASCAL program. This
alternative configuration was closed in the internal iteration loop of the DSM and this
alternative resulted in the overall payload capacity of the baseline RASCAL design
increasing from 52 lbs to 224 lbs.
Alternative 5:
The fifth and final alternative involves combining the LOX hybrid with the fourth
stage kick motor and the MMC upper stage. This design should result in the highest
performance since it uses all of the enhancing alternatives presented. This alternative
should also result in the most expensive vehicle since the LOX hybrid adds length to the
first stage, the fourth stage adds the cost of a new stage, and the new MMC technology
needs to be matured. When this configuration was closed in the internal iteration loop the
DSM the payload increased from 52 lbs to 303 lbs. This is above the desired 250 lbs of
payload set out in the RASCAL goal. This higher payload means that this alternative can
be further scaled down to achieve the 250 lb goal.
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