Launching a satellite is an expensive endeavor. Rockets must be built -- often only to be obliterated upon re-entry or wrecked as they splash back into the ocean. And massive amounts of fuel must be expended to propel the heavy metal objects through Earth's atmosphere. It's a problem for both private communication companies and the federal government.

But problem solvers at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are working on a solution -- the Airborne Launch Assist Space Access (ALASA) program. Military engineers working on the program want to use a small and efficient propellant system launched from a jet plane (not a large rocket blasted from a launch pad), to spring satellites weighing up to 100 pounds into low Earth orbit.

Figuring out how to launch small satellites with a jet would cost a fraction of the price of a traditional rocket launch. Plus, the aircraft is 100 percent reusable. Such a strategy would also allow communication systems to be bolstered on short notice.

"We've made good progress so far toward ALASA's ambitious goal of propelling 100-pound satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) within 24 hours of call-up, all for less than $1 million per launch," said Bradford Tousley, director of DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. "We're moving ahead with rigorous testing of new technologies that we hope one day could enable revolutionary satellite launch systems that provide more affordable, routine and reliable access to space."

The project's initial planning has been approved and it has since moved into Phase 2, with DARPA contracting Boeing to execute on the construction of several prototypes. Up to 12 test flights are included in Phase 2 planning.

In addition to potentially saving time and fuel costs, the plan would also limit the necessity of some ground-based launch infrastructure and would free up the planning constraints currently inhibiting federal agencies, military branches and communication companies that often have to share rides into orbit.

"We envision an alternative to ride-sharing for satellites that enables satellite owners to launch payloads from any location into orbits of their choosing, on schedules of their choosing, on a launch vehicle designed specifically for small payloads," said Mitchell Burnside Clapp, program manager for ALASA.