Session
Technical Session X: New Approaches To Space Launch
Abstract
Kistler Aerospace Corporation will launch the K-I vehicle into orbit from Spaceport Woomera for its first flight test in 2000 and commence commercial operations shortly thereafter. These events will mark two important milestones in aerospace history. First, the K-I is the world's first fully reusable aerospace vehicle, designed for 100 flights. Second, the K-I is the first launch vehicle built entirely by private funds for the commercial launch market. Expendable vehicle launch costs make up a significant portion of satellite program budgets. These costs can be prohibitive for small satellites and space researchers. The reusable K-l vehicle provides a low cost alternative for access to low-earth orbit (LEO). While large commercial LEO satellites form the core of the K-l's target market, the K-I can also deliver small satellites as either secondary or primary payloads. The K-l can also be considered as a platform for microgravity experiments. Meeting several integration challenges is the key to realizing the potential of the K-l to support the small satellite and space research communities. These challenges include minimizing the non-recurring engineering required for integration of structures and electrical systems, matching orbits for two or more spacecraft, resolving mutual environment interactions, and solving contractual and scheduling issues. Kistler is committed to working towards viable approaches to make the K-I's low cost space access capability available to the small satellite and space research communities.
Opportunities for Small Satellites and Space Research using the K-1 Vehicle
Kistler Aerospace Corporation will launch the K-I vehicle into orbit from Spaceport Woomera for its first flight test in 2000 and commence commercial operations shortly thereafter. These events will mark two important milestones in aerospace history. First, the K-I is the world's first fully reusable aerospace vehicle, designed for 100 flights. Second, the K-I is the first launch vehicle built entirely by private funds for the commercial launch market. Expendable vehicle launch costs make up a significant portion of satellite program budgets. These costs can be prohibitive for small satellites and space researchers. The reusable K-l vehicle provides a low cost alternative for access to low-earth orbit (LEO). While large commercial LEO satellites form the core of the K-l's target market, the K-I can also deliver small satellites as either secondary or primary payloads. The K-l can also be considered as a platform for microgravity experiments. Meeting several integration challenges is the key to realizing the potential of the K-l to support the small satellite and space research communities. These challenges include minimizing the non-recurring engineering required for integration of structures and electrical systems, matching orbits for two or more spacecraft, resolving mutual environment interactions, and solving contractual and scheduling issues. Kistler is committed to working towards viable approaches to make the K-I's low cost space access capability available to the small satellite and space research communities.
