DEMONSTRATOR - 2004

Demonstrator 2B

Demonstrator 2B holds a historical milestone as the first liquid fuelled rocket launched by ArcaSpace

Engineered and launched on September 9, 2004, for the global Ansari XPRIZE Competition, Demonstrator 2B was a single-stage reusable rocket constructed entirely from advanced composite materials. In 2009, the platform was reintroduced and adapted to serve as the second stage for the Helen rocket within the Google Lunar XPRIZE program.

Technical Specifications

Length: 4.54 m
Diameter over fins: 0.77 m
Launch weight: 360 kg
Sea level thrust: 480 kgf
Maximum speed: 1,200 m/s
Maximum theoretical altitude: 8,600 m
Propellant: HP 68%

Ansari X Prize Launch Campaign (Cape Midia AFB)

The launch campaign took place at the Cape Midia Air Force Base under a rigorous operational timeline:

September 1: The ArcaSpace launch team arrived at Cape Midia Air Force Base, initiated unloading of launch complex equipment, and hosted an official press conference.
September 2–3: Assembly and integration of the ground launch complex.
September 4–6: Technical team operations training and launch procedure rehearsals.
September 7: Media day at the launch site, hosting over 90 journalists representing media outlets from four countries.
September 8 (Scrub): The initial launch attempt was scrubbed due to a fuel feed line disconnect at the tank interface. Repairs were completed on-site, and the launch was rescheduled for the following day.
September 9 (Successful Launch): Demonstrator 2B was originally designed for launch conditions with maximum wind speeds under 9 mph (15 km/h). On launch day, prevailing winds reached 31–37 mph (50–60 km/h). Real-time trajectory simulations indicated that a full-burn profile would push the vehicle outside the designated Air Force safety corridor.

Operational Adaptation & Flight Results

To maintain strict range safety compliance while operating in high winds, ArcaSpace engineers executed a rapid operational adjustment:

Propellant Reduction: Fueled the vehicle to 19.8% of maximum propellant capacity to strictly limit engine burn duration.
High Thrust-to-Weight Acceleration: The reduced propellant mass significantly increased the vehicle's initial launch acceleration, making the rocket far less susceptible to wind shear during liftoff.

Upon receiving final approval from the Air Force for the revised flight plan, Demonstrator 2B was successfully launched, reaching a peak flight speed of 420 mph (680 km/h) and an altitude of 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

The launch was broadcast live on national and international television, becoming one of the most widely covered live flight events of the international Ansari XPRIZE Competition.

Google Lunar X Prize Legacy

In early 2009, the proven composite airframe and propulsion architecture of Demonstrator 2B were reopened and integrated into ArcaSpace's Google Lunar X Prize campaign, serving as the upper stage for the Helen stratospheric launch system.