Session
Technical Session II: From 0 to 7.5 km/s
Abstract
The Air Launch System Enabling Technology (ALSET) small launch vehicle research and development project was initiated in response to the presence of a growing small satellite market and a desire to promote space commercialization generally. An air launch approach to space transportation provides a high degree of reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness to meet the future needs of small satellite operators. ALSET is a Japanese government Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) funded project to examine air launch orbital payload delivery systems and related technologies as a first step toward an operational commercial air launch system. The operational system is envisioned to feature air-launch of a multi-stage solid rocket from an existing large carrier aircraft (C-130 class) for delivery of small payloads on the order of 100 to 200 kilograms to low Earth orbit. This paper will introduce the ALSET project and discuss recent progress.
Presentation Slides
ALSET - Air Launch System Enabling Technology R&D Program
The Air Launch System Enabling Technology (ALSET) small launch vehicle research and development project was initiated in response to the presence of a growing small satellite market and a desire to promote space commercialization generally. An air launch approach to space transportation provides a high degree of reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness to meet the future needs of small satellite operators. ALSET is a Japanese government Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) funded project to examine air launch orbital payload delivery systems and related technologies as a first step toward an operational commercial air launch system. The operational system is envisioned to feature air-launch of a multi-stage solid rocket from an existing large carrier aircraft (C-130 class) for delivery of small payloads on the order of 100 to 200 kilograms to low Earth orbit. This paper will introduce the ALSET project and discuss recent progress.
