The DBI Space Truck is approximately the size of a large
jet fighter, much smaller than NASA’s present shuttle.
This smaller size may mean a smaller payload (only up to
2,000 lbs.), but it makes for much smaller challenges in
engineering and material construction. The projected $680/lb.
of payload to LEO compares very favorably with the current
$10,000/lb. aboard NASA’s shuttle.
The journey to LEO and back would be a short one; a single
mission could be completed in less than 6 hours. Multiple
missions can occur—at only $680/lb.— with only
changing the belly, inspecting the craft, refueling, and
changing the crew. We believe this can last for about 100
missions, with A, B, and C checks in between. Does this
sound like an airliner? We hope so.