Intrepid - A New Small Satellite Launcher

Universal Space Lines (operator) and Rocket Development Company (hardware fabricator) are in the early stages of development of a small, low-cost expandable launch vehicle called Intrepid . This two-stage vehicle, using the liquid oxygen / liquid hydrogen propellant combination, is targeted for payloads up to about 1,100 lb for eastward launches in its basic form. Construction is primarily composite in the interest of high production and low unit cost. Maximum use is made of existing electronic components in order to minimize development. Software design follows the very successful methods developed on the DC-X / XA programs. The goal of the Intrepid program is to reduce launch costs in this payload range by 50 - 60%. The USL / RDC team was one of the winners of the Bantam Cycle I competition with a design which is a derated version of the basic Intrepid design. First flight is planned for 1999