Phoenix - A commercial, reusable single-stage launch vehicle

It is pointed out that the Phoenix is a fully reusable Single-Stage-to-Orbit (SSTO) space transport vehicle capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and, with optional refueling, to points throughout Cislunar space. The Phoenix Space Transportation System (Phoenix STS) consists of five separate elements, including the Phoenix Mainstage, the Payload Shroud, the Propellant Extension Kit, the Pilot Module, and the Airborne Support Components. The lifetime of the vehicle is estimated to be greater than one thousand flights. Under the assumption that large numbers of flights are flown per vehicle per year, the cost to launch a single Phoenix cargo mission might be estimated at about $250,000 to $1 million. On this basis, transportation costs per pound in the range from $10 to $40 are expected. Attention is given to mission capabilities, a vehicle overview, operations, and data.