Abstract
For any satellite customer, the key to “mission success” starts with the launch phase, one of the most important and sensitive periods in the whole development chain. This is especially the case for small missions built on small size platforms, for which clear rules and dedicated interface specifications must be established and followed to reach success. Although launch cost is a major driver for such missions, well established standards and corresponding experience must remain a key parameter when selecting the launch service provider. Last year, Arianespace presented its experience in launching small satellites, in particular the ASAP 5 on Ariane 5, as well as the activities that were initiated for the development of new concepts to improve the services for small satellites. Since this conference, major progresses have been made in the development of a new “Arianespace Structure for Auxiliary Payloads” that increases our solutions to launch small satellites with the three launch vehicles of the Arianespace family: Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega. The first application of this new ASAP concept is foreseen on Soyuz in its configuration ASAP-S end of 2009, beginning of 2010. Arianespace proposes to present this new concept, the ASAP-S User’s Manual (Satellite allowable volume and mass properties, applicable environment, dedicated interface, accommodations), as well as schedule for these new launch opportunities for small satellites.
Presentation Slides
ASAP: The Access to Space for Small Satellites
For any satellite customer, the key to “mission success” starts with the launch phase, one of the most important and sensitive periods in the whole development chain. This is especially the case for small missions built on small size platforms, for which clear rules and dedicated interface specifications must be established and followed to reach success. Although launch cost is a major driver for such missions, well established standards and corresponding experience must remain a key parameter when selecting the launch service provider. Last year, Arianespace presented its experience in launching small satellites, in particular the ASAP 5 on Ariane 5, as well as the activities that were initiated for the development of new concepts to improve the services for small satellites. Since this conference, major progresses have been made in the development of a new “Arianespace Structure for Auxiliary Payloads” that increases our solutions to launch small satellites with the three launch vehicles of the Arianespace family: Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega. The first application of this new ASAP concept is foreseen on Soyuz in its configuration ASAP-S end of 2009, beginning of 2010. Arianespace proposes to present this new concept, the ASAP-S User’s Manual (Satellite allowable volume and mass properties, applicable environment, dedicated interface, accommodations), as well as schedule for these new launch opportunities for small satellites.
