Session
Session IX: Launch Systems
Abstract
Although progress within the Space Technology Community remains constant, the dilemma of demonstrating critical technologies needed for future Space capabilities still exists. While the U.S. Government has been investing in multiple aspects of space, demonstration of these technologies in a manner that provides distinct paths to acquisition programs is cursory at best, based on the availability of funding. This paper provides an overview of the Atlas launch vehicle’s role encompassing the past, present and future, in supporting space technology demonstrations. The Atlas program has developed a wide range of capabilities in support of critical space technologies that sustain future war-fighting requirements and science community goals, through the use of secondary payload opportunities on planned Atlas V launches. It is the intent of the authors to 1) describe the secondary launch opportunities provided by the Atlas V vehicle, and 2) describe how utilizing existing launch opportunities, to demonstrate critical space technologies is cost effective and enables future space capabilities to mature in a more timely manner. Secondary payload launch opportunities support the demonstration of both the critical U.S. Government space technologies and also the academic community, to demonstrate technology in a timely manner allowing researchers and students to observe the results of their work prior to graduation. The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Program is working with the U.S. Air Force to establish a routine schedule of launching secondary payloads on missions where sufficient payload margin exists. Multiple mechanisms of providing ride-share opportunities for secondary payloads, both orbital and sub-orbital, will be available each year. The critical decision within the research community is to either take advantage of the low cost, regular launch opportunities, or to wait for a dedicated launch. In today’s financial situation the U.S. Government, industry, and academia require new methods and approaches to maintain the U.S. technological advantage in space. Atlas V Secondary launch opportunities provide such a capability to the space technology community. Utilization of Secondary launch opportunities will accelerate operational space capabilities.
Presentation Slides
The Atlas Secondary Experience – Yesterday, Today, and Beyond
Although progress within the Space Technology Community remains constant, the dilemma of demonstrating critical technologies needed for future Space capabilities still exists. While the U.S. Government has been investing in multiple aspects of space, demonstration of these technologies in a manner that provides distinct paths to acquisition programs is cursory at best, based on the availability of funding. This paper provides an overview of the Atlas launch vehicle’s role encompassing the past, present and future, in supporting space technology demonstrations. The Atlas program has developed a wide range of capabilities in support of critical space technologies that sustain future war-fighting requirements and science community goals, through the use of secondary payload opportunities on planned Atlas V launches. It is the intent of the authors to 1) describe the secondary launch opportunities provided by the Atlas V vehicle, and 2) describe how utilizing existing launch opportunities, to demonstrate critical space technologies is cost effective and enables future space capabilities to mature in a more timely manner. Secondary payload launch opportunities support the demonstration of both the critical U.S. Government space technologies and also the academic community, to demonstrate technology in a timely manner allowing researchers and students to observe the results of their work prior to graduation. The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Program is working with the U.S. Air Force to establish a routine schedule of launching secondary payloads on missions where sufficient payload margin exists. Multiple mechanisms of providing ride-share opportunities for secondary payloads, both orbital and sub-orbital, will be available each year. The critical decision within the research community is to either take advantage of the low cost, regular launch opportunities, or to wait for a dedicated launch. In today’s financial situation the U.S. Government, industry, and academia require new methods and approaches to maintain the U.S. technological advantage in space. Atlas V Secondary launch opportunities provide such a capability to the space technology community. Utilization of Secondary launch opportunities will accelerate operational space capabilities.
