Session
Technical Session X: Launch Update
Abstract
This paper addresses the objectives and preliminary development of a Nanosat Launch Vehicle, with attention given to payload accommodations and user issues. This system is intended to provide cost-effective, dedicated launch services for the very low end (10 kg or less to low Earth orbit) of the small satellite market. Such a capability would put small payload developers fully in charge of their destiny for the first time, freeing them from many of the technical, administrative and scheduling constraints associated with current secondary and offshore launch opportunities. Unlike many other proposed future launch systems, this launch vehicle project is based on an existing flight test program that is already manifesting academic payloads while also pioneering the demonstration and evaluation of advanced technologies that include composite propellant tanks and aerospike engines.
Presentation Slides
Development of a Dedicated Launch System for Nanosat-Class Payloads
This paper addresses the objectives and preliminary development of a Nanosat Launch Vehicle, with attention given to payload accommodations and user issues. This system is intended to provide cost-effective, dedicated launch services for the very low end (10 kg or less to low Earth orbit) of the small satellite market. Such a capability would put small payload developers fully in charge of their destiny for the first time, freeing them from many of the technical, administrative and scheduling constraints associated with current secondary and offshore launch opportunities. Unlike many other proposed future launch systems, this launch vehicle project is based on an existing flight test program that is already manifesting academic payloads while also pioneering the demonstration and evaluation of advanced technologies that include composite propellant tanks and aerospike engines.
