Session
Session 4: Launch
Abstract
SSC initiated project SmallSat Express, a European launch capability some years ago to meet the increasing need for launch opportunities for small satellites. The intention is to offer dedicated launchers which regularly launch into standardized orbits from SSC’s launching facility Esrange Space Center in the very north of Sweden. A phase A study has confirmed that it is technically feasible and a phase B1 study which aimed for political endorsement, mainly in Sweden have been conducted. SSC has been rewarded funding for a phase B2 study from the country administrative board of Norrbotten, the study is now in progress and will last until first quarter of 2018. The study will include analyses of launcher alternatives, flight safety risk assessment, design of infrastructure at Esrange, orbit raiser design and satellite stacking concept and design. The intended launch service will enable a standardized orbit suitable for most small satellites; sun-synchronous, “dawn-dusk” orbit at 500 km altitude (inclination = 97.4°). By using the launch service on three consecutive launches a constellation of satellites covering every local time can be established. The launch periods, one to three per year, will be fixed. The goal is to launch the first satellite in 2021.
Presentation
SmallSat Express - Meeting the Needs for a Launch Capability for Small Satellites
SSC initiated project SmallSat Express, a European launch capability some years ago to meet the increasing need for launch opportunities for small satellites. The intention is to offer dedicated launchers which regularly launch into standardized orbits from SSC’s launching facility Esrange Space Center in the very north of Sweden. A phase A study has confirmed that it is technically feasible and a phase B1 study which aimed for political endorsement, mainly in Sweden have been conducted. SSC has been rewarded funding for a phase B2 study from the country administrative board of Norrbotten, the study is now in progress and will last until first quarter of 2018. The study will include analyses of launcher alternatives, flight safety risk assessment, design of infrastructure at Esrange, orbit raiser design and satellite stacking concept and design. The intended launch service will enable a standardized orbit suitable for most small satellites; sun-synchronous, “dawn-dusk” orbit at 500 km altitude (inclination = 97.4°). By using the launch service on three consecutive launches a constellation of satellites covering every local time can be established. The launch periods, one to three per year, will be fixed. The goal is to launch the first satellite in 2021.
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