Session
Technical Session VIII: Launch Vehicles
Abstract
This paper familiarizes the Small Satellite community with the capabilities and advantages offered by the PacAstro launch vehicle and its applications to low-cost launch needs. At a projected cost of $5M per launch, the 2-stage, pressure-fed liquid fueled vehicle is designed to transport 225 kg (500 Ibm) to a 750 km (405 nm) altitude circular polar orbit, or to a 1200 km (650 nm) altitude circular equatorial orbit. The smooth burning engine provides a gentle vibration environment and can be throttled, shut-down, and restarted to accommodate accurate orbit insertion. The large 1.5 m 10 and 2.4 m long payload volume allows multiple payloads to be launched side-by-side. The vehicle exploits over 30 years of U.S. booster technology and requires no technology development. The PacAstro vehicle uses proven components for all major elements including engines, supplied by TRW, fairing, and stage separation. The PacAstro team, which includes TRW and Swedish Space Corporation, has considerable hardware and launch experience. PacAstro is combining the application of well proven, low cost launch vehicle technologies with the techniques of small, low cost satellite development to create a launch vehicle with costs comparable to or below those of the satellites it will carry.
Increasing Space Access Availability for Small Payloads: The PacAstro Launch Vehicle
This paper familiarizes the Small Satellite community with the capabilities and advantages offered by the PacAstro launch vehicle and its applications to low-cost launch needs. At a projected cost of $5M per launch, the 2-stage, pressure-fed liquid fueled vehicle is designed to transport 225 kg (500 Ibm) to a 750 km (405 nm) altitude circular polar orbit, or to a 1200 km (650 nm) altitude circular equatorial orbit. The smooth burning engine provides a gentle vibration environment and can be throttled, shut-down, and restarted to accommodate accurate orbit insertion. The large 1.5 m 10 and 2.4 m long payload volume allows multiple payloads to be launched side-by-side. The vehicle exploits over 30 years of U.S. booster technology and requires no technology development. The PacAstro vehicle uses proven components for all major elements including engines, supplied by TRW, fairing, and stage separation. The PacAstro team, which includes TRW and Swedish Space Corporation, has considerable hardware and launch experience. PacAstro is combining the application of well proven, low cost launch vehicle technologies with the techniques of small, low cost satellite development to create a launch vehicle with costs comparable to or below those of the satellites it will carry.
