DOCSLIB.ORG

Launcherone: Virgin Galactic's Dedicated Launch Vehicle for Small Satellites

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Launcherone: Virgin Galactic's Dedicated Launch Vehicle for Small Satellites SSC16-II-02 LauncherOne: Virgin Galactic's Dedicated Launch Vehicle for Small Satellites A.C. Charania, Steve Isakowitz, Barry Matsumori, Will Pomerantz, Mandy Vaughn, Hanna Kubiak, David Caponio Virgin Galactic 4022 E. Conant St., Long Beach, CA 90808 USA; +1-404-931-7980 [email protected] ABSTRACT Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, is developing a space transportation service to provide an affordable, reliable, and responsive dedicated ride to orbit for smaller payloads. No longer will small satellite users be forced to make a choice between accepting the limitations of flight as a secondary payload, paying dramatically more for a dedicated launch vehicle, or dealing with the added complexity associated with export control requirements and international travel to distant launch sites. Virgin Galactic's satellite launch vehicle, “LauncherOne,” is a two-stage, air-launched liquid propulsion (LOX/RP) rocket. This system is designed to conduct operations from a variety of locations, allowing customers to select various launch azimuths and increasing available orbital launch windows. In response to strong commercial demand, Virgin Galactic has increased the capability of LauncherOne so that it will now be capable of launching of approximately 300 kg into the standard Sun- Synchronous Orbit most commonly desired by small satellite missions, or more than 400 kg into lower inclination orbits. INTRODUCTION launched from a 747-400 carrier aircraft, LauncherOne is the space access service that will accelerate the small Satellite technology has spent decades after the launch of Sputnik and Explorer I getting bigger, heavier, and satellite revolution. more expensive. But recently, the rise of Cubesats and OVERVIEW microsatellites has meant that commercial satellite start- ups, universities, schools, and even crowdfunding As seen in Fig. 2, the LauncherOne system is a two campaigns can put their own satellites into space. stage launch vehicle composed of mostly composite However, small satellites need small satellite launch primary structures with pump-fed first and second stage vehicles that are optimized to the needs of these engines. The first stage has a single 73,500 lbf (vac) spacecraft. Among these needs are cost-effective, LOX/RP-1 rocket engine called the “NewtonThree.” frequent rides to space in their desired orbits as primary The second stage has a single 5,000 lbf (vac) LOX/RP- payload. 1 rocket engine called the “NewtonFour.” Both the NewtonThree and the NewtonFour are highly reliable Virgin Galactic has invested in the team, technologies, liquid rocket engines being designed, tested, and built and facilities required to build just such a customer- by Virgin Galactic. focused launch service, LauncherOne (see Fig. 1). Air- Figure 1: LauncherOne Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Service Charania 1 30th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites Figure 2: LauncherOne Overview For West Coast continental U.S. launches, most flexible and responsive launch vehicle to offer LauncherOne can deliver approximately 300 kg of affordable, dedicated launches to smaller satellites. payload into the standard Sun-Synchronous Orbit most commonly desired by small satellite missions. To low The LauncherOne program is based on an in-house Earth orbits from the East Coast of the continental U.S. design, development, test, manufacturing, integration, the system will be capable of launching over 400kg of and operations approach. Virgin Galactic has made key payload. investments in multiple technology areas such as cryogenic composite tanks, pump-fed booster and As an air-launched system, LauncherOne can optimize upperstage engines, and an autonomous flight safety each mission to customer requirements by operating system. Having successfully completed test campaigns from any of a variety of launch sites independent from for pressure-fed demonstrator engines for both the the fixed, often congested, launch ranges and upper and booster stage of LauncherOne, Virgin corresponding real-time launch constraints such as Galactic is now testing the NewtonThree and weather. NewtonFour engines, which have been undergoing rigorous testing on two new state-of-the-art test stands PROGRAM STATUS designed, assembled, and installed by Virgin Galactic With full, private funding already committed to the in Mojave, CA, USA. In addition to testing of the program, a dedicated and world-class team of over 200 engines, Virgin Galactic has successfully undertaken experienced aerospace professionals hard at work, and a hardware-in-the-loop testing of LauncherOne’s tanks, state-of-the-art 14,000 square meters (150,000 square pressurization systems, avionics, and other critical foot) manufacturing and design facility in Long Beach, subsystems. California, LauncherOne remains on target to be the Charania 2 30th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites Virgin Galactic purchased a 747-400 last year Table 1: LauncherOne Capabilities (coincidentally nicknamed “Cosmic Girl”). In late Service Value 2015, the aircraft was put through a successful “D check,” also known as a heavy maintenance check. The Payload Payload Capability aircraft is currently undergoing modification to • Up to 300 kg / 661 lbm to 500 km / 270 nmi Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) strengthen the left wing area such that it will be able to • Up to 500 kg / 1100 lbm to 200 km / 108 nmi carry the 55,000 lbs LauncherOne rocket. Virgin circular 28.5 degree inclination Low Earth Orbit Galactic is also making updates to the power and (LEO) communications routings throughout the aircraft. The • Due to LauncherOne’s high degree of Virgin Galactic team is also developing a new pylon to customization, payload capabilities are best calculated for each customer based on their attach the rocket to the carrier aircraft. specific requirements. Payload Dynamic Volume LauncherOne was announced in 2012, with the program • 1359 mm / 53.5 inch constant cylindrical evolving since that time. In 2015, Virgin Galactic diameter announced a larger LauncherOne service that more than • 2283 mm / 89.9 inch constant cylindrical length doubled the previous payload performance utilizing • 3632 mm / 143 inch overall payload fairing upgraded first and second stage engines, along with a envelope length change of the carrier aircraft from the WhiteKnightTwo Launch • Up to 1000 km and greater depending upon to the 747-400. Virgin Galactic upgraded the Altitudes/ payload and inclination NewtonOne and NewtonTwo engines, which were Inclinations • West Coast US (Mojave Air and Space Port): pressure-fed, with newer pump-fed versions. 60 to 102 degrees inclination NewtonOne and NewtonTwo were pathfinder engines • East Coast US (Shuttle Landing Facility): 28.5 used as part of LauncherOne’s development process. to 55 degrees inclination Payload • Initial operations based on West Coast United CAPABILITIES Delivery States with payload integration in Virgin Galactic and FAITH facility Level 8 clean room, Mojave, CA LauncherOne missions are highly customized to suit Integration • Customer satellites mated with a payload each customer’s specific requirements. Operating adapter and encapsulated in the payload fairing commercially through the FAA, LauncherOne operates independently of the rest of the vehicle • Options exist for receipt of pre-encapsulated independently of many of the external factors that can payloads delay ground based launches: weather, offline radar Regulatory • U.S. Federal Aviation Administration AST Part tracking assets, boats in the launch pad stay out zone, Approach 431 Launch License and traffic jams on the increasingly crowded Eastern • Includes immediate West Coast launches and and Western ranges. Table 1 provides a summary of the future East Coast launches capabilities of the LauncherOne service. • Additional launch site options are planned Orbital • Capability for second stage deorbit mission LAUNCH SITE AND MISSION PROFILES Debris profiles Virgin Galactic has completed launch assessments for Approach the primary launch site of the Mojave Air and Dispenser • LauncherOne’s various payload bolted interface Spaceport (MHV) in California and for a variety of Options patterns will meet the ESPA -class and ESPA - Grande class configurations operating locations including the Shuttle Landing • Includes a conical payload adapter with Facility (SLF) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in interface diameter of 985.7 mm / 38.81 inches; Florida. Virgin Galactic is prepared to obtain approvals other interfaces possible including ESPA to operate in locations other than Mojave based on standard 609.6 mm / 24 inches or 381 mm / 15 inches diameters, custom diameters available customer interest. upon request • Standard payload separation systems that may The baseline West Coast U.S. flight profile would drop be supported include but are not limited to the the LauncherOne launch vehicle over the Pacific following: PSC MLB, SNC QwkSep, SV clamp Ocean, tens of kilometers from the California coastline, band, FANTM-LiTE, FANTM-RiDE, FANTM- after a flight of approximately 30 minutes from Mojave. RAiL; custom systems available upon request Virgin Galactic has analyzed different flight tracks for • Standard dispensers that may be supported include but are not limited to the following: Cal- additional drop points off the California coast that may Poly P-POD, NLAS, ISIS Quad Pack/EZ-POD, be of interest for other missions. For East Coast U.S. PSC 3U CSD, PSC 6U CSD, PSC 12U CSD, launches, the drop point will be tens of kilometers
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Virgin Galactic Announces First Fully Crewed Spaceflight
    Virgin Galactic Announces First Fully Crewed Spaceflight Test Flight Window for Unity 22 Mission Opens July 11 Four Mission Specialists to Evaluate Virgin Galactic Astronaut Experience Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson Among Mission Specialists First Global Livestream of Virgin Galactic Spaceflight LAS CRUCES, N.M. July 1, 2021 - Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (the “Company” or “Virgin Galactic”), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced that the fligHt window for the next rocket-powered test flight of its SpaceShipTwo Unity opens July 11, pending weather and technical checks. The “Unity 22” mission will be the twenty-second flight test for VSS Unity and the Company’s fourth crewed spaceflight. It will also be the first to carry a full crew of two pilots and four mission specialists in tHe cabin, including the Company’s founder, Sir Richard Branson, who will be testing the private astronaut experience. Building on tHe success of the Company’s most recent spaceflight in May, Unity 22 will focus on cabin and customer experience objectives, including: • Evaluating the commercial customer cabin with a full crew, including the cabin environment, seat comfort, the weightless experience, and the views of Earth that the spaceship delivers — all to ensure every moment of the astronaut’s journey maximizes the wonder and awe created by space travel • Demonstrating tHe conditions for conducting human-tended research experiments • Confirming the training program at Spaceport America supports the spaceflight experience For the first time, Virgin Galactic will share a global livestream of the spaceflight. Audiences around the world are invited to participate virtually in tHe Unity 22 test flight and see first-hand the extraordinary experience Virgin Galactic is creating for future astronauts.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Launch System (Sls) Motors
    Propulsion Products Catalog SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) MOTORS For NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), Northrop Grumman manufactures the five-segment SLS heavy- lift boosters, the booster separation motors (BSM), and the Launch Abort System’s (LAS) launch abort motor and attitude control motor. The SLS five-segment booster is the largest solid rocket motor ever built for flight. The SLS booster shares some design heritage with flight-proven four-segment space shuttle reusable solid rocket motors (RSRM), but generates 20 percent greater average thrust and 24 percent greater total impulse. While space shuttle RSRM production has ended, sustained booster production for SLS helps provide cost savings and access to reliable material sources. Designed to push the spent RSRMs safely away from the space shuttle, Northrop Grumman BSMs were rigorously qualified for human space flight and successfully used on the last fifteen space shuttle missions. These same motors are a critical part of NASA’s SLS. Four BSMs are installed in the forward frustum of each five-segment booster and four are installed in the aft skirt, for a total of 16 BSMs per launch. The launch abort motor is an integral part of NASA’s LAS. The LAS is designed to safely pull the Orion crew module away from the SLS launch vehicle in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent. Northrop Grumman is on contract to Lockheed Martin to build the abort motor and attitude control motor—Lockheed is the prime contractor for building the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle designed for use on NASA’s SLS.
    [Show full text]
  • Virgin Galactic Launcherone Service Guide
    LauncherOne Service Guide Version 0.2 his is this cover page) SERVICE GUIDE Virgin Galactic, LLC Version 0.2 25 March 2016 1 Cleared for Public Release by the DOD Office of Prepublication and Security Review LauncherOne Service Guide Version 0.2 Revolutionizing Space Access for Small Satellites If the key selling points of small satellites are that they are agile, flexible, and affordable, then these satellites need a launch service with the same qualities. Virgin Galactic has invested in the team, technologies, and facilities required to build just such a customer-focused launch service, LauncherOne. Air-launched from a 747-400 carrier aircraft, LauncherOne is the space access service that will accelerate the small satellite revolution. Overview LauncherOne is a simple, expendable, two stage launch vehicle designed to place small satellites (up to 500 kilograms) into a wide range of Low Earth Orbits (LEO) at an affordable price. LauncherOne System Expanded View 2 Cleared for Public Release by the DOD Office of Prepublication and Security Review LauncherOne Service Guide Version 0.2 Capabilities LauncherOne missions are highly customized to suit each customer’s specific requirements. Operating commercially through the FAA, LauncherOne operates independently of many of the external factors that can delay ground based launches: weather, offline radar tracking assets, boats in the launch pad stay out zone, and traffic jams on the increasingly crowded Eastern and Western ranges. Service Value Payload Payload Capability • Up to 300 kg / 661 lbm to 500 km / 270 nmi Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) • Up to 500 kg / 1100 lbm to 200 km / 108 nmi circular 28.5 degree inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO) • Due to LauncherOne’s high degree of customization, payload capabilities are best calculated for each customer based on their specific requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • Paper Session IA-Shuttle-C Heavy-Lift Vehicle of the 90'S
    The Space Congress® Proceedings 1989 (26th) Space - The New Generation Apr 25th, 2:00 PM Paper Session I-A - Shuttle-C Heavy-Lift Vehicle of the 90's Robert G. Eudy Manager, Shuttle-C Task Team, Marshall Space Flight Center Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings Scholarly Commons Citation Eudy, Robert G., "Paper Session I-A - Shuttle-C Heavy-Lift Vehicle of the 90's" (1989). The Space Congress® Proceedings. 5. https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings/proceedings-1989-26th/april-25-1989/5 This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences at Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Space Congress® Proceedings by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. SHUTTLE-C HEAVY-LIFT VEHICLE OF THE 90 ' S Mr. Robert G. Eudy, Manager Shuttle-C Task Team Marshall Space Flight Center ABSTRACT United States current and planned space activities identify the need for increased payload capacity and unmanned flight to complement the existing Shuttle. To meet this challenge the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is defining an unmanned cargo version of the Shuttle that can give the nation early heavy-lift capability. Called Shuttle-C, this unmanned vehicle is a natural, low-cost evolution of the current Space Shuttle that can be flying 100,000 to 170,000 pound payloads by late 1994. At the core of Shuttle-C design philosophy is the principle of evolvement from the United State's Space Transportation System.
    [Show full text]
  • Grey and Gold Grungy Classroom Newsletter
    T H E M A R T I A N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 THE MARTIAN M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Greetings! Back in May 2019, we founded the GD Goenka World School's Astronomy Club, with tremendous support from our Respected Director-Principal Ma'am Dr. Neeta Bali, DHM Ms. Shahnaz Banoo Butt, IBDP Coordinator Dr. Manisha Mehta, all the IB teachers, and the students. Today, all the members of the Astronomy Club proudly speak for all that they have learnt and explored, be it from the wonders of physical Astronomy, to the mysteries of black holes. We started with our very own Solar System - the Sun, Planets, Satellites, Comets, Asteroids and went on as far as the enormous El Gordo. Our classes include lectures, debates, quizzes, interactive games and RIP TO THIS videos, and brainstorming sessions. In the coming months, we aim to learn more about the mysteries of DYNAMIC DUO the universe. We bring to you the maiden edition of our Astronomy For seven years, NASA’s Van Allen Club's Monthly Newsletter, titled 'The Martian'. Probes have studied one of the nastiest We thank our club members Sumer Kaistha, Rehaan radiation environments known to Chibber, Aekum Kamboj, Jeevesh Raj Gupta, Naman humans: the Van Allen radiation belts. Akankshi, Omar Mir, and the Deputy Director Jusjeev They're an extremely important factor Singh for their effort into bringing this magazine to to plan for when it comes to satellite you.
    [Show full text]
  • View / Download
    www.arianespace.com www.starsem.com www.avio Arianespace’s eighth launch of 2021 with the fifth Soyuz of the year will place its satellite passengers into low Earth orbit. The launcher will be carrying a total payload of approximately 5 518 kg. The launch will be performed from Baikonur, in Kazakhstan. MISSION DESCRIPTION 2 ONEWEB SATELLITES 3 Liftoff is planned on at exactly: SOYUZ LAUNCHER 4 06:23 p.m. Washington, D.C. time, 10:23 p.m. Universal time (UTC), LAUNCH CAMPAIGN 4 00:23 a.m. Paris time, FLIGHT SEQUENCES 5 01:23 a.m. Moscow time, 03:23 a.m. Baikonur Cosmodrome. STAKEHOLDERS OF A LAUNCH 6 The nominal duration of the mission (from liftoff to separation of the satellites) is: 3 hours and 45 minutes. Satellites: OneWeb satellite #255 to #288 Customer: OneWeb • Altitude at separation: 450 km Cyrielle BOUJU • Inclination: 84.7degrees [email protected] +33 (0)6 32 65 97 48 RUAG Space AB (Linköping, Sweden) is the prime contractor in charge of development and production of the dispenser system used on Flight ST34. It will carry the satellites during their flight to low Earth orbit and then release them into space. The dedicated dispenser is designed to Flight ST34, the 29th commercial mission from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan performed by accommodate up to 36 spacecraft per launch, allowing Arianespace and its Starsem affiliate, will put 34 of OneWeb’s satellites bringing the total fleet to 288 satellites Arianespace to timely deliver the lion’s share of the initial into a near-polar orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers.
    [Show full text]
  • A Practical Guide Second Edition
    TOURISTS in SPACE A Practical Guide Second Edition Erik Seedhouse Tourists in Space A Practical Guide Other Springer-Praxis books of related interest by Erik Seedhouse Tourists in Space: A Practical Guide 2008 ISBN: 978-0-387-74643-2 Lunar Outpost: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on the Moon 2008 ISBN: 978-0-387-09746-6 Martian Outpost: The Challenges of Establishing a Human Settlement on Mars 2009 ISBN: 978-0-387-98190-1 The New Space Race: China vs. the United States 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4419-0879-7 Prepare for Launch: The Astronaut Training Process 2010 ISBN: 978-1-4419-1349-4 Ocean Outpost: The Future of Humans Living Underwater 2010 ISBN: 978-1-4419-6356-7 Trailblazing Medicine: Sustaining Explorers During Interplanetary Missions 2011 ISBN: 978-1-4419-7828-8 Interplanetary Outpost: The Human and Technological Challenges of Exploring the Outer Planets 2012 ISBN: 978-1-4419-9747-0 Astronauts for Hire: The Emergence of a Commercial Astronaut Corps 2012 ISBN: 978-1-4614-0519-1 Pulling G: Human Responses to High and Low Gravity 2013 ISBN: 978-1-4614-3029-2 SpaceX: Making Commercial Spacefl ight a Reality 2013 ISBN: 978-1-4614-5513-4 Suborbital: Industry at the Edge of Space 2014 ISBN: 978-3-319-03484-3 Erik Seedhouse Tourists in Space A Practical Guide Second Edition Dr. Erik Seedhouse, Ph.D., FBIS Sandefjord Norway SPRINGER-PRAXIS BOOKS IN SPACE EXPLORATION ISBN 978-3-319-05037-9 ISBN 978-3-319-05038-6 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-05038-6 Springer Cham Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London Library of Congress Control Number: 2014937810 1st edition: © Praxis Publishing Ltd, Chichester, UK, 2008 © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014 This work is subject to copyright.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Nano/Microsatellite Market Forecast, 9Th Edition
    2019 NANO/MICROSATELLITE MARKET FORECAST, 9TH EDITION Copyright 2018, SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE. SPACEWORKS ENTERPRISES, INC., COPYRIGHT 2018. 1 Since 2008, SpaceWorks has actively monitored companies and economic activity across both the satellite and launch sectors 0 - 50 kg 50 - 250kg 250 - 1000kg 1000 - 2000kg 2000kg+ Custom market assessments are available for all mass classes NANO/MICROSATELLITE DEFINITION Picosatellite Nanosatellite Microsatellite Small/Medium Satellite (0.1 – 0.99 kg) (1 – 10 kg) (10 – 100 kg) (100 – 1000 kg) 0 kg 1 kg 10 kg 100 kg 1000 kg This report bounds the upper range of interest in microsatellites at 50 kg given the relatively large amount of satellite development activity in the 1 – 50 kg range FORECASTING METHODOLOGY SpaceWorks’ proprietary Launch Demand Database (LDDB) Downstream serves as the data source for all satellite market Demand assessments ▪ Planned The LDDB is a catalogue of over 10,000+ historical and Constellations future satellites containing both public and non-public (LDDB) satellite programs Launch Supply SpaceWorks newly updated Probabilistic Forecast Model (PFM) is used to generate future market potential SpaceWorks PFM Model ▪ The PFM considers down-stream demand, announced/planed satellite constellations, and supply-side dynamics, among other relevant factors Expert Analysis The team of expert industry analysts at SpaceWorks SpaceWorks further interprets and refines the PFM results to create Forecast accurate market forecasts Methodology at a Glance 2018 SpaceWorks forecasted 2018 nano/microsatellite launches with unprecedented accuracy – actual satellites launched amounted to just 5% below our analysts’ predictions. In line with SpaceWorks’ expectations, the industry corrected after a record launch year in 2017, sending 20% less nano/microsatellites to orbit than in 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • For Personal Use Only Use Personal for Galactic for Four Dedicated Missions on the Launcherone System from 2018
    Sky and Space Global Ltd ABN 73 117 770 475 Level 7 1008 Hay Street PERTH WA 6000 P: +61 8 9389 2000 F: +61 8 9389 2099 W: skyandspace.global 5 October 2016 ASX Code: SAS Virgin Galactic Sign MOU - Evaluation of SAS Network for LauncherOne Highlights • Sky and Space Global has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virgin Galactic • The MOU is to evaluate the technical and commercial potential of the Company’s nano- satellite communications network to provide connectivity to its LauncherOne carrier aircraft, Cosmic Girl • Parties will work together to determine whether Virgin Galactic’s modified 747-400 carrier aircraft can be made compatible with SAS’s space-based communication network • The joint objective is to evaluate the potential use of the SAS nano-satellite communications network as the platform to transmit the LauncherOne telemetry data from the launch vehicle during orbit, back to Virgin Galactic’s data control centre • SAS has previously contracted with Virgin Galactic for four dedicated missions on the LauncherOne system Sky and Space Global Ltd (ASX: SAS, “Sky and Space Global” or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virgin Galactic regarding the potential use of the Company’s network to provide connectivity to Virgin Galactic’s 747 carrier aircraft for transmission of its telemetry data to its control centre. Under the terms of the MOU, the parties are to work together to evaluate the technical and commercial parameters to determine whether Virgin Galactic’s modified 747-400 carrier aircraft, Cosmic Girl can be made compatible with SAS’s space-based nano-satellite communications network.
    [Show full text]
  • Virgin Galactic License Orders
    License Order No. LRLO 16-092B (Rev 3) OFFICE OF COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION LICENSE ORDER REGARDING FLIGHT AUTHORIZED BY LICENSE NO. LRLO 16-092 ISSUED TO VIRGIN GALACTIC, LLC 1. Authority: This Order is issued to Virgin Galactic (referred to as VG), under 51 U.S.C. subtitle V, chapter 509, and 14 C.F.R. Ch. III. 2. Purpose: This Order modifies License No. LRLO 16-092 issued concurrently by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, authorizing VG to conduct suborbital RLV missions to launch the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) reusable launch vehicle utilizing the WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft; and prescribes as conditions to License No. LRLO 16-092 certain requirements applicable to the authorization to conduct flights. 3. Authorization: VG is authorized to conduct flights: (a) Using SS2, in combination with the WK2 carrier aircraft that must hold a valid FAA experimental airworthiness certificate and must operate in accordance with the operating limitations of that certificate and the applicable sections of 14 C.F.R. part 91; (b) From Mojave Air and Space Port, California, and Spaceport America, New Mexico; (c) Transporting non-deployed scientific, experimental, or inert payloads; (d) According to the launch vehicle, launch vehicle systems, flight profiles, and safety management program represented in the VG application as of the date of this order, and any amendments to the license application approved by the FAA, in writing. Order No. LRLO 16-092B (Rev 3) 4. Responsibility and Authority of SS2 Pilot In Command: (a) Prior to flight, VG must designate the pilot in command of the SS2 vehicle who is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that vehicle.
    [Show full text]
  • Launcherone Success Opens New Space Access Gateway Guy Norris January 22, 2021
    1/22/21 7:05 1/6 LauncherOne Success Opens New Space Access Gateway Guy Norris January 22, 2021 With San Nicolas Island far below, LauncherOne headed for polar orbit. Credit: Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit had barely tweeted news of the successful Jan. 17 space debut of its LauncherOne vehicle on social media when new launch contracts began arriving in the company’s email inbox. A testament to the pent-up market demand for small-satellite launch capability, the speedy reaction to the long-awaited demonstration of the new space-access vehicle paves the way for multiple follow-on Virgin Orbit missions by year-end and a potential doubling of the rate in 2022. First successful privately developed air-launched, liquid-fueled rocket Payloads deployed for NASA’s Venture Class Launch Services program The glitch-free !ight of LauncherOne on its second demonstration test was a critical and much-welcomed milestone for the Long Beach, California-based company. Coming almost nine years a"er the air-launch concept was #rst unveiled by Virgin founder Richard Branson, and six years a"er the start of full-scale development, the !ight followed last May’s #rst demonstration mission, which ended abruptly when the rocket motor shut o$ a"er just 4 sec. 1/22/21 7:05 2/6 A"er an exhaustive analysis and modi#cations to beef up the oxidizer feed line at the heart of the #rst !ight failure, the path to the Launch Demo 2 test was then delayed until January 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the LauncherOne system now proven, design changes veri#ed and the #rst 10 small satellites placed in orbit, Virgin Orbit is already focusing on the next steps to ramp up its production and launch-cadence capabilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Cubesat Mission: from Design to Operation
    applied sciences Article CubeSat Mission: From Design to Operation Cristóbal Nieto-Peroy 1 and M. Reza Emami 1,2,* 1 Onboard Space Systems Group, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Space Campus, 981 92 Kiruna, Sweden 2 Aerospace Mechatronics Group, University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Toronto, ON M3H 5T6, Canada * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-416-946-3357 Received: 30 June 2019; Accepted: 29 July 2019; Published: 1 August 2019 Featured Application: Design, fabrication, testing, launch and operation of a particular CubeSat are detailed, as a reference for prospective developers of CubeSat missions. Abstract: The current success rate of CubeSat missions, particularly for first-time developers, may discourage non-profit organizations to start new projects. CubeSat development teams may not be able to dedicate the resources that are necessary to maintain Quality Assurance as it is performed for the reliable conventional satellite projects. This paper discusses the structured life-cycle of a CubeSat project, using as a reference the authors’ recent experience of developing and operating a 2U CubeSat, called qbee50-LTU-OC, as part of the QB50 mission. This paper also provides a critique of some of the current poor practices and methodologies while carrying out CubeSat projects. Keywords: CubeSat; miniaturized satellite; nanosatellite; small satellite development 1. Introduction There have been nearly 1000 CubeSats launched to the orbit since the inception of the concept in 2000 [1]. An up-to-date statistics of CubeSat missions can be found in Reference [2]. A summary of CubeSat missions up to 2016 can also be found in Reference [3].
    [Show full text]