Session
Technical Session II: Commercial Uses of Small Satellites
Abstract
The small satellite market has suffered from the lack of availability of a low-cost and responsive transport to orbit. The emergence of new small launchers is helping to satisfy this need with dedicated launches at more affordable cost. The Delta launch vehicle also offers significant benefits to the small satellite community by comanifesting several satellites on a dedicated launch. The cost effectiveness for the constellation deployment of similar satellites is evident when compared to individual launches with dedicated launchers. This study also examines the possibility of comanifesting small satellites of different sizes and masses into low Earth orbits. The comanifesting possibilities are enhanced by taking advantage of Delta's large payload fairing and the range of performance capabilities that can be realized varying the number of its strap on solid motors. Delta's ability to launch from either coast satisfies a wide range of orbit inclinations. The conclusion suggests Delta offers significant advantages to the individual satellite. The identification of an agency(s), which would arrange for the transport service and coordinate the manifesting details, would enhance the feasibility of this concept.
Delta Launch Vehicle Accommodations for Small Satellites
The small satellite market has suffered from the lack of availability of a low-cost and responsive transport to orbit. The emergence of new small launchers is helping to satisfy this need with dedicated launches at more affordable cost. The Delta launch vehicle also offers significant benefits to the small satellite community by comanifesting several satellites on a dedicated launch. The cost effectiveness for the constellation deployment of similar satellites is evident when compared to individual launches with dedicated launchers. This study also examines the possibility of comanifesting small satellites of different sizes and masses into low Earth orbits. The comanifesting possibilities are enhanced by taking advantage of Delta's large payload fairing and the range of performance capabilities that can be realized varying the number of its strap on solid motors. Delta's ability to launch from either coast satisfies a wide range of orbit inclinations. The conclusion suggests Delta offers significant advantages to the individual satellite. The identification of an agency(s), which would arrange for the transport service and coordinate the manifesting details, would enhance the feasibility of this concept.
