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Class: Manned. Type: Spaceplane. Destination: Maximum Payload Orbit. Nation: USA.

Winged, first stage of a launch vehicle using aerial refueling and existing engines. Takes off from runway; rendezvous with tanker to load oxidizer; then flies to Mach 12/150 nm to release Star 48V second stage and 450 kg payload. In comparison to Black Horse, uses existing engines and a much more achievable mass fraction by only flying to half orbital speed.

Crew Size: 1. Length: 48.00 m (157.00 ft). Maximum Diameter: 4.60 m (15.00 ft). Mass: 43,160 kg (95,150 lb). Main Engine Thrust: 402.053 kN (90,385 lbf).


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© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.