JUNE - 2021AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19breathing technology into a single engine, significantly reducing deadweight and increasing thrust. With an average thrust/weight ratio of up to 40:1, ARC's propulsion system can independently generate thrust from idle to Mach 10 with an estimated specific impulse (ISP) of over 2000, which is a substantial upgrade over the current average of approximately 300 ISP for chemical rockets. ARC's gains in ISP enables the system to carry 27,000kg to LEO.Furthermore, the performance of this state-of-the-art propulsion system is multiplied by the intuitive capabilities of the launch vehicle that it powers. A robust heat management system integrated into the vehicle enables it to function even at high temperatures without negatively impacting its flight trajectory or introducing structural or safety concerns. Owing to its sophisticated geometry and meticulous aerodynamics, ARC's vehicle is optimized to reduce drag and increase speed during flight, while maximizing drag during re-entry by a simple change in orientation for a smooth landing. Thus, the mission-specific modifications, safe abort, and high thrust offered by ARC's launch system significantly expand the envelope for facilitating reliable and affordable commercial space flights.Setting the Course for Success "Behind the curtains, the diverse leadership team at ARC is playing a significant role in shaping the company and propelling it forward," says Kelli. The engineering team is supported by Dr. Periklis Papadopoulos, a former NASA engineer who led the Mars Curiosity program. "Dr. P," as he is familiarly called, not only provides guidance as a program advisor, he also performs much of the mathematical and computational substantiation for the system design. Meanwhile, the executive team is made up of professionals with a wide range of complementary skillsets. Whether it is Kent Judy (Co-Founder/VP avionics), with his robust technical and engineering background, Dane Matheson (Co-Founder) and Trever Gregory (Co-Founder) with their Silicon Valley expertise, or Kate Lucey Mace (Chief-of-Staff) and her experience in science communication, the ARC team is constantly pushing the company to new heights. Likewise, the ARC team has also been fostering a collaborative mindset when working with its clients, and have built an advisory board of government, technical, and business growth experts. As Kelli says, "Space is both collaborative and competitive. The landscape is always changing, and it is prudent to keep a finger on the pulse of the industries surrounding it." Whether it is the traditional sectors like satellite launch or the nascent fields like biotech and additive manufacturing, space tourism, and asteroid mining, ARC is continually monitoring the trends in these industries to be prepared for future requirements.Moving ahead, ARC will continue improving and validating its critical technology components that are still in development. After bootstrapping, the company is now raising their seed round, which will further the goal of expanding its capabilities. By continuously upgrading its technology, ARC will eventually move toward manned missions and high-speed point-to-point civil aviation. "With the power of our people, our technology, and our strategic partnerships, we will keep building up our capabilities and pushing the boundaries of possibility in aerospace," concludes Kelli. Our launch system isn't just reliable and reusable. It is also incredibly flexible which makes it possible to provide more launches at lower costs--enabling new space entrants the ability to conduct commerce, research, and manufacturing in LEO and beyond.Kelli Kedis Ogborn
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