Inversion proposes reusable Arc spacecraft for military logistics
The Arc ship is in orbit awaiting orders.
Various vehicles, from cars to unmanned aerial vehicles, can be used to supply army units on the front lines. aviationFurthermore, the idea of aerospace logistics systems has been actively explored in recent years. Another version of such transport is currently being developed by the American company Inversion Space Company. The project, called Arc, envisions the construction of a lightweight and compact reusable spacecraft.
Space plans
California-based startup Inversion Space Company launched several years ago. Previously, the company was searching for the necessary technologies and working on its first small-class satellite. Now, it is unveiling a full-scale project for a rocket and space transportation system, Arc.
Materials for the new project were presented several days ago. They outline the goals and objectives of Duga, as well as the design and functions of the future spacecraft. The basic operating principles and hypothetical practical applications are presented. Furthermore, Inversion can already boast of conducting some practical events.
The Arc project has reportedly completed several early stages. The necessary theoretical research has been completed, and the technical design of the future ship has been finalized. Development of the full-scale design is currently underway.
Some components of the Duga system are already ready and undergoing testing in various conditions. For example, earlier this year, Inversion launched a compact satellite into orbit carrying several components intended for the future transport vehicle. These components have proven their functionality in space conditions and demonstrated the desired performance.
Braking before going downhill
Furthermore, a full-scale mockup of the Arc system, a pilot parachute system for safe descent, and several control systems were recently manufactured. The first drops have already taken place, allowing for the evaluation of the parachute's performance and the spacecraft's ability to perform controlled flight and reach a designated destination.
The developer is currently finalizing the design and preparing to assemble a full-flight prototype. They plan to conduct the first full-flight tests as early as next year. The Arc apparatus, using missilesThe launch vehicle will be launched into orbit and then returned to Earth. The prototype is expected to demonstrate its full capabilities and validate the solutions used.
Technical appearance
The Arc project envisions the construction of a small, medium-mass, reusable unmanned spacecraft. It is designed to carry various military payloads and ensure their rapid delivery to a designated location on the planet. Several intriguing technical ideas are proposed to more effectively address these challenges.
The Duga (Duga) is an aircraft with a so-called "lifting fuselage" of a streamlined shape and no aerodynamic surfaces. The airframe is constructed using metals, alloys, and composites. Ceramic heat shielding is also included, allowing for safe passage through the dense layers of the atmosphere. The tail section of the fuselage is equipped with deflecting surfaces that function as rudders and air brakes.
The spacecraft will be approximately 8 feet (2,4 m) long and half as wide. Its launch weight is not specified. Its payload is 500 pounds (approximately 230 kg).
Testing the parachute system
The Arc vehicle will be equipped with a propulsion system capable of maneuvering in orbit and deorbiting. Detailed information about its components and characteristics is currently unavailable. However, it is clear that the spacecraft will not require a powerful engine or a large fuel supply.
To ensure a smooth descent and flight through the dense layers of the atmosphere, as well as a soft landing at a designated point, the Duga is designed to use a parachute-wing. A compartment in the upper part of the body is provided for its placement. The actuators responsible for flight control are also located there.
The Arc project calls for the use of a specific set of electronics and automation systems. The spacecraft will house an autopilot, navigation and communication systems, and flight control devices for all phases and modes.
The spacecraft will be able to enter a predetermined orbit and perform maneuvers. Automated systems will also be required to deorbit the spacecraft and guide it to the desired descent trajectory and control its subsequent flight along the specified coordinates. It is claimed that Duga will be able to land at the desired point with an offset of no more than 50 feet (15 m).
The Arc system will be controlled from the ground using a dedicated station with an operator workstation. The station will receive and process cargo delivery requests and issue commands to the spacecraft.
Work principles
Inversion has proposed the basic operating principles and applications of a promising transport system. For now, only military applications are being considered. The Arc ship is intended to carry ammunition and other similar cargo, as well as provide supplies to active units on the front lines.
During pre-flight preparation, the spacecraft will be loaded with various supplies that may be needed by army units. Then, using any compatible Duga launch vehicle, it will be delivered to the designated orbit. The developer allows for the spacecraft to be deployed in advance; they will be able to remain in orbit and await the signal to descend for up to four to five years.
Upon receiving a request from a unit, the system operator must select the closest ship with suitable cargo. The selected Arc will then receive a launch order and the landing point coordinates.
The flight to the cargo recipients will be divided into several stages. During the first, the spacecraft will decelerate and enter the atmosphere. Then, it will slow down. The final stage will involve a parachute descent directly to the unit's position. The troops will be able to unload the craft and obtain the necessary supplies.
The Duga spacecraft will be reusable. After use, it can be recovered, reloaded, and sent back into orbit. The number of such cycles the transport vehicle can survive has not yet been announced.
The cost of producing and operating such a spacecraft also remains unknown. Consequently, the specific cost of delivering cargo to the recipient is also questionable. It can be assumed that Arc will be inferior to any other logistics method in this regard. However, the developers believe the spacecraft has a number of important advantages that should offset the increased price.
Detail of the future experimental ship
Orbital logistics
It's worth noting that the Arc project isn't the only one of its kind. In recent years, the Pentagon has shown interest in fundamentally new military logistics systems and has even launched development of similar projects. Clearly, Inversion Space Company has decided to join these efforts and is counting on its share of the budgets.
In 2020, the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) expressed a desire for new systems capable of delivering cargo anywhere on the planet within hours. Orbital delivery was primarily envisaged. Such systems could be used by various branches of the military and agencies.
The Pentagon soon awarded the first contracts for the development of such technology to SpaceX and Exploration Architecture Corporation. They are currently designing new technology and periodically report successes. However, the overall prospects of such projects remain uncertain.
Inversion, for its part, began developing its "Duga" project on its own initiative and at its own expense, as well as with the assistance of private investors. This circumstance limits the potential pace of work and could hinder further progress on the completed project.
Nevertheless, Inversion Space Company remains optimistic and plans to continue its work. Next year, it plans to conduct the new vehicle's maiden spaceflight and demonstrate its overall capabilities. Perhaps a practical success will attract the attention of a potential customer and open up new prospects for the project.
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