The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Boeing the contract to build its spaceplane as it attempts to make launching space satellites cheaper and easier. Known as the XS-1, the goal of the spaceplane is to get costs down to $5 million per launch, as well as flying at least 10 times per year. The second portion of the design process runs through 2019, when the design will be finalized and a propulsion system will be tested for flights. The third phase includes 12 to 15 test flights, scheduled for 2020, as well as having 10 flights on 10 consecutive days. “We’re delighted to see this truly futuristic capability coming closer to reality,” said Brad Tousley, director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO), which oversees XS-1.

Source: Fox News May 25, 2017 13:52 UTC