xc1

XC1, also known as XC-1, is a reusable experimental spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force and Boeing. It is designed to demonstrate the potential of reusable space vehicles for the U.S. military, with the goal of reducing the cost and increasing the frequency of space launches. The spacecraft is part of the Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program, which aims to create a new generation of hypersonic vehicles that can be launched on short notice and at a lower cost than traditional rockets.

The XC-1 is powered by a single AR-22 engine, which uses liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants. The engine is designed to provide high thrust and efficiency, allowing the spacecraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 5. The spacecraft is also equipped with a unique "tuck" mode, which allows it to reduce its drag and increase its speed during re-entry.

The XC-1 is designed to be launched from a conventional runway, similar to an aircraft. After reaching orbit, the spacecraft would separate from its payload and return to Earth, landing on a runway. The spacecraft is designed to be fully reusable, with the goal of reducing the cost of space launches by a factor of ten.

The XC-1 program is currently in development, with the first flight of the spacecraft expected to take place in 2023. The program is being led by the U.S. Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office, in partnership with Boeing. The spacecraft is being developed at Boeing's Phantom Works facility in Huntington Beach, California.