Alchemist ACES: Enabling Technology for 2nd and Future Generation Space Transportation

Andrews Space & Technology has developed the “Alchemist” Air Collection and Enrichment System, which enables a paradigm shift in RLV architecture safety and operability while exceeding NASA’s 2 Generation RLV requirements. Horizontal Takeoff Horizontal Landing architectures have been shown to have substantial benefits over traditional Vertical Takeoff rocket systems, and Alchemist is critical to achieving Horizontal Takeoff Horizontal Landing in a 2 Generation RLV. Alchemist is first compared to past efforts to explain its differences. Next, it is evaluated against other 2 Generation RLV concepts based on the Figures of Merit used by NASA and the Air Force. Finally, it is compared to two 3 Generation RLV concepts (Turbine Based Combined Cycle Two Stage To Orbit and Rocket Based Combined Cycle Single Stage To Orbit) using common design ground rules and the same Figures of Merit. It is shown that Alchemist has advantages which bring 3 Generation capability at 2 Generation technical risk.