Session
Technical Session VI: Delivery Systems
Abstract
Launch services in the emerging "smaller, faster, cheaper" aerospace industry have evolved into a highly cost driven environment to meet more demanding requirements for systems performance. The introduction of the Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI) and the designation of Pegasus as the NASA Ultralite Expendable Launch Vehicle are examples of the demand for more cost-effective access to space. This trend requires a change in the way Iaunch vehicles are used from the traditional single payload mission on a dedicated booster to launching multiple payloads on a single flight. Operations in this manner will attract a larger customer base at a lower cost to each customer, thus creating new launch opportunities. Designing launch systems to accommodate shared payloads requires creative solutions in several key areas to be successful both technically and economically. These areas include minimizing integration cost, successful mission manifesting, volume efficient payload packaging, interface modularity for greater system flexibility, and reducing flight system costs. This paper will describe how these areas are being addressed by the Pegasus Launch System to increase launch affordability with volume efficient secondary’s up to 300 Ib mass and standardized accommodations for MicroSats up to 50 kg mass. Recommendations are also made to help potential users take advantage of these newly created launch opportunities.
Pegasus® Shared Launch Accommodations for Microsat and Secondary Payloads
Launch services in the emerging "smaller, faster, cheaper" aerospace industry have evolved into a highly cost driven environment to meet more demanding requirements for systems performance. The introduction of the Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI) and the designation of Pegasus as the NASA Ultralite Expendable Launch Vehicle are examples of the demand for more cost-effective access to space. This trend requires a change in the way Iaunch vehicles are used from the traditional single payload mission on a dedicated booster to launching multiple payloads on a single flight. Operations in this manner will attract a larger customer base at a lower cost to each customer, thus creating new launch opportunities. Designing launch systems to accommodate shared payloads requires creative solutions in several key areas to be successful both technically and economically. These areas include minimizing integration cost, successful mission manifesting, volume efficient payload packaging, interface modularity for greater system flexibility, and reducing flight system costs. This paper will describe how these areas are being addressed by the Pegasus Launch System to increase launch affordability with volume efficient secondary’s up to 300 Ib mass and standardized accommodations for MicroSats up to 50 kg mass. Recommendations are also made to help potential users take advantage of these newly created launch opportunities.
