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This paper introduces Starsaber, a new conceptual launch vehicle design. Starsaber is a twostage-to-orbit (TSTO) vehicle capable of putting a 300 lb. class payload into low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle is composed of a reusable winged booster, powered by two hydrocarbon fueled ejector ramjet (ERJ) engines, and a LOX/RP-1 expendable upper stage. The vehicle utilizes advanced structural and thermal protection system (TPS) materials, as well as advanced subsystems.

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The Bantam-Argus reusable launch vehicle concept is a smaller version of the original Argus single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle design. Like the original Argus, Bantam-Argus uses a Maglifter launch assist system to provide an initial horizontal launch velocity. Bantam-Argus is designed to deliver 300 lb. payloads to low earth orbit and, like the full sized Argus, the baseline Bantam-Argus concept utilizes two liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen supercharged ejector ramjets as prime motive power. This paper presents the results of an investigation of two alternate propulsion systems for the Bantam-Argus launch vehicle. First, a thermally integrated combined-cycle system consisting of two deeplycooled turbojets and two liquid rocket engines was evaluated. Second, a combination propulsion system utilizing two pulsed detonation rocket engines and two standalone ramjets was evaluated.