Next Generation Launch Technology
Andrews Space has developed the Alchemist™ Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES) as well as the Gryphon™ RLV architecture.

The Alchemist™ ACES technology is critical for Horizontal Takeoff, Horizontal Landing (HTHL) RLV architectures because it eliminates the oxidizer propellant weight (roughly half the total vehicle weight) at takeoff by generating Liquid Oxygen (LOX) from atmospheric air while flying at subsonic speeds. The Andrews Alchemist™ ACES propulsion technology significantly reduces the first stage size and weight to enable flexible and economical RLVs that take off and land horizontally with fault tolerant air breathing and rocket propulsion systems to enable safe trans-atmospheric and space operations.

Andrews has developed the Gryphon™ RLV architecture that uses the Alchemist™ ACES. The Gryphon™ architecture integrates a common airplane-like first stage with a number of different upper stages to provide a wide range of space launch options ranging from Space Station crew and cargo supply and return to commercial satellite launch and support of the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) initiative. Gryphon's HTHL approach enables a paradigm shift in space launch by drastically enhancing safety, increasing flexibility and reducing operations cost and risk.

As a continuation of its work under the Space Launch Initiative, 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). Andrews is tasked to conduct Gryphon™ configuration studies, mainly focused on designing an architecture concept capable of satisfying NGLT Design Reference Missions (DRMs) while at least meeting all Figure of Merit (FOM) thresholds.

Please click on the project name for more information.

Gryphon Flight Ops Animation (audio)

Alchemist ACES

Gryphon RLV Architecture Multimedia Gallery