Alchemist
ACES
Andrews Space has developed an In-flight Propellant Collection System,
the "Alchemist" Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES),
which generates liquid oxygen (LOX) through the separation of atmospheric
air. Since it allows vehicles to take off without LOX on board-minimizing
vehicle takeoff weight-the ACES technology is critical for Horizontal
Takeoff, Horizontal Landing (HTHL) architectures to meet NASA's Next Generation
safety, economic, and operational goals with existing airbreathing and
rocket propulsion systems.
Andrews has developed the Alchemist concept from a small system study to viable Next Generation launch system technology, conducting not only feasibility studies but also related hardware tests, and it has planned a detailed risk reduction program which employs an experienced, proven contractor team. Andrews also has participated in preliminary studies of an evolvable Next Generation vehicle architecture-enabled by Alchemist ACES-which could meet civil, military, and commercial space requirements within a decade.
As a continuation
of its work under the Space Launch Initiative (and based on promising
results from other studies), Andrews is under contract to support NGLT's
technology and architecture evaluation efforts, participating on an integrated,
multi-center NASA-industry team under the NGLT Systems Analysis Project
(SAP). As part of this contract, Andrews continues to develop the Alchemist
ACES propulsion system.
A
Space Shuttle that Makes its Own Fuel
System
Operational Overview (PDF)
Mission
Scenario and Operational Advantages of a RLV System with Alchemist ACES
(PDF)
