Description: Investigating an alternative approach to direct-carry air-launch . . . utilizing a one-third scale, twin fuselage glider to demonstrate proof-of-concept performance and operation. Seeking to show that a towed launch platform can carry a launch vehicle of 1 to 2 times its own weight, whereas the current state-of-the-art for direct-carry is roughly 0.7.

Benefits: NASA funded: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology can increase the efficiency, in both time and cost, of small satellite launch and can provide a heavy lift capability for atmospheric flight test. OGA: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology can, through commercial launch provider adoption, provide an affordable means of launch for government agencies, particularly the DoD. Commercial: The Towed Glider Air-Launch System technology provides an affordable approach to launch and, if proved feasible, may be adopted by commercial launch providers.