Session
Technical Session IX: Delivery Systems
Abstract
Traditional launch services conduct final launch operations from fixed locations due to a heavy reliance on large amounts of ground support equipment (i.e. launch towers, fuel farms, range tracking, etc.). The Pegasus/MINISAT launch campaign demonstrated a unique ability to locate the launch vehicle nearly anywhere in the world based on each mission's specific requirements and by prepositioning required support equipment where needed. The logistics to support this type of mobile capability can be complicated and transcend a multitude of disciplines. Issues that had to be solved included vehicle processing facilities, launch control centers, mobile range tracking solutions, international liability and many more. Each of these areas had to be addressed and a solution found. New innovative approaches were necessary to surmount many of the roadblocks encountered. This mobile capability also requires modifications to regulatory guidance. Our current regulatory guidance developed in support of traditional land based launch systems and does not easily translate to systems that are mobile. Regulatory agencies need to address the unique capabilities of mobile systems, such as Pegasus, Sea-Launch, etc. Because of the ability of these systems to relocate the launch point away from populated areas they are inherently safer to the general public.
International Launch Campaign: Pegasus®/MINISAT Launch from Canary Islands
Traditional launch services conduct final launch operations from fixed locations due to a heavy reliance on large amounts of ground support equipment (i.e. launch towers, fuel farms, range tracking, etc.). The Pegasus/MINISAT launch campaign demonstrated a unique ability to locate the launch vehicle nearly anywhere in the world based on each mission's specific requirements and by prepositioning required support equipment where needed. The logistics to support this type of mobile capability can be complicated and transcend a multitude of disciplines. Issues that had to be solved included vehicle processing facilities, launch control centers, mobile range tracking solutions, international liability and many more. Each of these areas had to be addressed and a solution found. New innovative approaches were necessary to surmount many of the roadblocks encountered. This mobile capability also requires modifications to regulatory guidance. Our current regulatory guidance developed in support of traditional land based launch systems and does not easily translate to systems that are mobile. Regulatory agencies need to address the unique capabilities of mobile systems, such as Pegasus, Sea-Launch, etc. Because of the ability of these systems to relocate the launch point away from populated areas they are inherently safer to the general public.
