SEATTLE, Dec. 16, 2003, (PRIMEZONE) -- Andrews Space, Inc. (Andrews) today released an animation of its Gryphon space transportation architecture. This public release is in celebration of the first 100 years of powered flight and in anticipation of the next century of innovative breakthroughs in aviation. Andrews envisions that the next hundred years of innovation in space will require space transportation vehicles with greater safety, affordability, and flexibility.
The Gryphon architecture is capable of replacing the Space Shuttle and stimulating routine low cost access to space. Gryphon is an innovative space transportation system that operates from a conventional runway and is capable of servicing the International Space Station, launching commercial payloads, and supporting human space exploration.
The Gryphon architecture has a common first stage approximately the size of a Boeing 747. A number of different upper stages can be employed, providing a wide range of options from Space Station crew and cargo supply and return to commercial satellite launch to military missions. Gryphon's horizontal takeoff and landing approach significantly enhances safety by allowing airplane-like abort options that vertical takeoff systems do not have, while increasing flexibility and reducing operations cost and risk.
The Gryphon architecture features Andrews'(lh1) Alchemist(TM) Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES). Alchemist(TM) allows the Gryphon to takeoff horizontally like a conventional aircraft by eliminating liquid oxygen (roughly half the launch weight of most rockets) at takeoff. Instead, Gryphon generates Liquid Oxygen (LOX), from the atmosphere while flying at subsonic speeds.
The Gryphon animation, which can be found on the Andrews Space web site at www.andrews-space.com, was created for NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program. NGLT is developing and demonstrating innovative technologies for next generation space transportation systems that will provide low-cost space access and reinvigorate the U.S. space launch market. Andrews is tasked to conduct Gryphon configuration studies, mainly focused on designing an architecture concept capable of satisfying NGLT Design Reference Missions (DRMs) while meeting or exceeding goals for safety, reliability, cost, and responsiveness.
"The Next Generation Launch Technology program is an indication of NASA's dedication to the continual advancement of space transportation," said Jason Andrews, Andrews Space co-founder and President. "We're proud to support this effort in defining the direction for America's future in space. We strongly believe the future will include innovative space transportation solutions such as Gryphon."
About the Company
Andrews Space is a privately held company developing new and innovative space transportation solutions for government and commercial markets. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Andrews' technical competencies include product/system development, space system design, propulsion system design, systems engineering, and business analysis. To learn more, please visit: www.andrews-space.com.