The American Department of the Air Force is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize global transportation. The Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program aims to develop a rocket based space transportation system that seamlessly integrates with existing air, sea, and land transport methods.
The military envisions a rocket capable of transporting up to 100 tons of supplies anywhere within tactical timelines. This versatile capability will be invaluable for delivering critical military equipment to battlefields and providing disaster relief supplies to affected regions.
Rather than investing in the development of new rockets, the Air Force plans to leverage existing commercial rocket capabilities. This strategic approach will allow them to expedite the implementation of the REGAL program and focus on developing essential technologies and procedures.
The AFRL has contracted a company to significantly enhance the capabilities of its Ghost spacecraft, a rapid delivery system designed to transport cargo across vast distances in under 90 minutes. Initially conceived as a payload return system from Earth orbit, Ghost has a five-year on orbit lifespan and can currently carry up to 330 pounds of cargo.
Under the new contract, the company will increase Ghost’s payload capacity to a remarkable ten metric tons, allowing for significantly larger and heavier shipments. This expansion of Ghost’s capabilities will be crucial for meeting the AFRL’s needs for the REGAL program, which requires access to this advanced decelerator technology.
The increased payload capacity will enable Ghost to deliver larger and more valuable cargo to remote locations, such as military bases, disaster zones, or scientific research stations. This will be particularly important for time sensitive missions, where rapid delivery of essential supplies or equipment is critical.
Additionally, the enhanced capabilities of Ghost will make it a valuable asset for commercial applications, such as delivering spare parts or medical supplies to remote areas or transporting high value goods. The contract also calls for improvements to Ghost’s other systems, such as propulsion, guidance, and navigation capabilities.
These upgrades will further enhance Ghost’s performance and reliability, making it a more versatile and efficient delivery platform. The AFRL’s investment in Ghost represents a significant step forward in the development of rapid and reliable space transportation.
