RASCAL is a revolutionaryspace access program initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). RASCAL will demonstrate the capability to launch microsatellites into low earth orbit routinelyand onshort notice using an air-launch systemarchitecture. A propulsion enhancement – Mass Injection Pre-Compressor Cooling (MIPCC) - allows the air vehicle toobtain high-energyflight conditions and provides the capability for exo-atmospheric staging ofan expendable rocket with satellite payload attached. This architecture effectively reduces recurring launch costs, which are targetedto be $750,000 per launch
