Arc by Inversion

Product Introduction

1. Arc by Inversion is a reusable, autonomous spacecraft designed for rapid cargo delivery and orbital logistics operations. It operates from low-Earth orbit (LEO) and delivers payloads to any location on Earth in under one hour using hypersonic glide technology. The system is pre-positioned in customizable constellations to support on-demand missions, combining space-based infrastructure with rapid terrestrial deployment capabilities.
2. The core value of Arc lies in creating a new logistics domain from space, enabling unprecedented speed and global accessibility for critical missions. It eliminates traditional geographical and infrastructural limitations by leveraging orbital positioning for immediate response capabilities. This system prioritizes cost efficiency through reusability and in-house developed technologies validated by its predecessor spacecraft, Ray.

Main Features

1. Arc enables rapid delivery of mission-critical cargo to austere or denied environments via precision-guided reentry and hypersonic glide vehicles. Its cross-range capability exceeds 1,000 km, allowing flexible targeting without reliance on ground infrastructure. The spacecraft autonomously executes descent trajectories while maintaining cargo integrity during high-speed atmospheric reentry.
2. The platform supports hypersonic testing by replicating next-generation threat trajectories with high maneuverability at speeds above Mach 5. This feature provides realistic simulation environments for defense systems and aerospace research. Arc’s modular design allows payload integration for sensor testing, material experiments, and threat-representative vehicle evaluations.
3. Arc functions as a reusable orbital satellite capable of five-year operational lifespans, performing asset deployment, spacecraft rendezvous, and in-orbit servicing. Its propulsion system enables orbital adjustments for sustained constellation positioning and collaborative operations with other satellites. The vehicle can capture, repair, or redeploy payloads while maintaining readiness for terrestrial delivery missions.

Problems Solved

1. Arc addresses the critical limitation of slow logistics in emergencies, where traditional transportation methods cannot reach infrastructure-limited or contested areas within operationally relevant timelines. Conventional air and ground delivery systems often fail in disaster zones or conflict regions due to access restrictions or excessive transit times.
2. The primary users include military and government agencies requiring rapid materiel deployment, aerospace organizations needing hypersonic testing platforms, and commercial satellite operators seeking on-orbit servicing solutions. Defense entities particularly benefit from its dual-use capability for cargo delivery and threat simulation.
3. Typical scenarios include medical supply delivery to disaster-stricken regions within 60 minutes, urgent military equipment resupply to forward operating bases, and in-orbit maintenance of satellite constellations without requiring dedicated launch vehicles. It also supports rapid deployment of reconnaissance or communication assets during emerging crises.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike conventional rockets or cargo aircraft, Arc combines orbital persistence with terrestrial delivery, avoiding reliance on fixed launch infrastructure or diplomatic clearances. Competitors typically focus solely on suborbital point-to-point delivery or satellite services, whereas Arc integrates both capabilities into a unified system.
2. The vehicle’s hypersonic glide body incorporates proprietary thermal protection and guidance systems validated by Inversion’s Ray prototype, which achieved sub-$1 million development costs. Its modular cargo bay supports payload swaps between terrestrial delivery, hypersonic testing, and orbital missions within a single platform.
3. Competitive advantages include a 4-8 ft configurable payload volume, orbital longevity exceeding five years through in-house propulsion systems, and constellation-based redundancy ensuring 24/7 mission readiness. The system’s reusability reduces per-mission costs by 70% compared to single-use alternatives, as demonstrated by Ray’s fully reusable design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Arc achieve delivery times under one hour? Arc spacecraft pre-positioned in LEO initiate controlled reentry trajectories upon command, leveraging orbital velocity to reach targets via hypersonic glide. This bypasses atmospheric flight constraints and geopolitical airspace limitations inherent to traditional aircraft.
2. Is the spacecraft truly reusable? Yes, Arc completes multiple missions through heat shield refurbishment and propulsion refueling, with a designed lifespan of five years. The Ray prototype proved this reusability by surviving reentry intact with 100% hardware recovery.
3. What reduces Arc’s operational costs compared to alternatives? Inversion’s vertically integrated manufacturing and reusable architecture lower costs, as shown by Ray’s development by 25 engineers for under $1 million. Constellation-based operations further distribute launch costs across numerous missions.
4. How does Arc support hypersonic testing? The vehicle carries test articles to specified altitudes and velocities, executing pre-programmed maneuvers that replicate advanced hypersonic threat profiles. Its telemetry systems provide real-time data acquisition during these high-speed regimes.
5. Can Arc constellations service existing satellites? Yes, the spacecraft performs orbital rendezvous using autonomous navigation systems, enabling payload delivery, refueling, or hardware replacement for compatible satellites. This functionality extends the lifespan of legacy orbital assets.