DOW-UAP-D124, AAWSAP DIRD, Space Access: Where We've Been and Where We Could Go, March 2010
Department of War · 3/8/10 · Las Vegas, Nevada · Document
DOW-UAP-D124, AAWSAP DIRD, Space Access: Where We've Been and Where We Could Go, March 2010 is indexed as a Department of War record with incident date 3/8/10 and location Las Vegas, Nevada. This document is a Defense Intelligence Reference Document (DIRD), a technical reference format used by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to capture baseline knowledge on a specific topic for later analytic use. DIRDs are best understood as reference and synthesis products rather than as original research. It is one of 38 DIRDs produced under the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP) between 2009 and 2011. Because AAWSAP s scope permitted a broad range of supporting topics, not every DIRD in the series directly concerns aerospace systems or future threat assessment. The following summary reflects the DIRD s scope and framing at the time of writing and should not be read as implying current validation of the concepts discussed. This DIRD is a historical and conceptual survey of space access systems, contending that the main barrier to routine access to space is a failure to build durable, reliable, operational hardware and the supporting infrastructure needed for regular service to and from low Earth orbit. The report reviews earlier launch and aerospace concepts, especially reusable and aircraft-like approaches, and suggests that U.S. space access development became too strongly centered on expendable rockets derived from ballistic missiles rather than bespoke systems designed for repeated space access and payload delivery. Its central claim is that meaningful future progress will depend on creating a purpose-built space transportation infrastructure, including frequent round-trip capability and orbital support networks, rather than continuing to rely on one-off launch vehicles. Overall, the document presents a forceful case for infrastructure-first space development, though its characterization of past technological choices is more assertive than a fully neutral account of past U.S. space programming. Redactions have been made to protect the identity of eyewitnesses, the location of government facilities, or potentially sensitive information about military sites not related to UAP. No redactions have been made to any files released under President Trump's directive concerning information about the nature or existence of any encounter reported as a UAP or related phenomena.
Notable / anomalous element
- That decision curtailed efforts to develop alternatives to chemical rockets together with practical commercial developments. (native PDF text, page 7)
- Like their ballistic missile progenitors, current expendable rockets can be launched only once. (native PDF text, page 7)
- The LACE-powered vehicle is physically smaller than the rocket vehicle because the propellant weight and volume are less. (native PDF text, page 35)
- Rocket boost-glide and air-breather cruiser. (native PDF text, page 17)
Details
- This product is one in a series of advanced technology reports produced in FY 2009 under the Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Warning Office's Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications (AAWSA) Program. (native PDF text, page 2)
- 43 Appendix B: Aeropropulsion Integrated Vehicle. (native PDF text, page 3)
- 47 Appendix D: Landing Ellipses for Hypersonic Gliders. (native PDF text, page 3)
- HSVS Hypersonic Cruise Aircraft Showing True Skin Temperature. (native PDF text, page 3)
- Hypersonic Rocket Powered Glider Hypersonic Air Breathing Cruiser. (native PDF text, page 3)
- Detailed Design Analyses Show the Weight Trends are as Much a Function of Configuration Family as Lift-to-Drag Ratio. (native PDF text, page 3)
- FDL-7C/D with a Du Pont Retractable Inward-Turning Inlet. (native PDF text, page 3)
- Sufficient Cross Range (L/D) Means There is No Waiting to Return. (native PDF text, page 3)
Tags: War Department, Nevada, AAWSAP, Technical research, Rocket, Missile, Weapons, Aircraft