[3] The glider, carrying its own hybrid or solid rocket motor, will ignite its engine to glide higher than the tow plane's maximum altitude.

According to Aero News, the advantage of the system is that gliders don't carry engines with them and have longer, lighter wings, resulting in lower total mass.

[6] NASA discussed the advantages of this system in a report: The TGALS demonstration's goal is to provide proof-of-concept of a towed, airborne launch platform.

Due to a combination of the projected mass, and thus drag of the glider with a rocket aboard, as well as the operating altitude required for testing, a larger tow aircraft was built.

[3] The glider will carry its own small rocket motor which will light for about 20 seconds after release from the tow plane to maintain velocity while climbing.

The project has obtained funding for NASA's 2015 financial year through the Game Changing Development program following the first successful test flight of the one-third scale glider.