Gary J. Rodriguez

TL;DR: In this article, a vehicle-based threat detection system for detecting weapons in a vehicle includes at least one sensor (12) in a cargo holding area of the vehicle, which detects presence of a weapon.

Abstract: The quest for the X Prize, an effort to engage the private sector in space commerce, has proven to be the catalyst for a commercial extension of the air cargo industry into exo-atmospheric operations. This paper examines the role of high-priority , high-speed freight service integrated into the conventional Boeing 747 intercontinental long-haul service infrastructure. Included is a description of a start-up company for the realization of an outsourcing operation as a high-speed, point-topoint extension of conventional subsonic service. A prototype aerospace plane is proposed to provide high-speed freight service with an air-breathing configuration for a suborbital ballistic flight path. This vehicle is viewed as a plausible first step in the evolution of the Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) manned aircraft in a commercial context. The Exo-atmospheric Clipper complies with current airport noise regulations and provides a reasonable economic scenario with a high level of integration into the existing airfreight infrastructure. The path to profitability is clear, and success does not require any exotic technologies or economic breakthroughs. The Exo-Clipper will lead the seminal space tourism industry by offering passenger seats on suborbital flights using accommodations provided for additional crewmembers.

TL;DR: In this paper, a prototype aerospace plane is proposed to provide high-speed freight service with an air-breathing configuration for a suborbital ballistic flight path, which is viewed as a plausible first step in the evolution of the Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) manned aircraft in a commercial context.