IAF SPACE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS and INNOVATIONS SYMPOSIUM (D2) Launch Services, Missions, Operations, and Facilities (2)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

IAF SPACE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS and INNOVATIONS SYMPOSIUM (D2) Launch Services, Missions, Operations, and Facilities (2)

70th International Astronautical Congress 2019 Paper ID: 51651 oral IAF SPACE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS SYMPOSIUM (D2) Launch Services, Missions, Operations, and Facilities (2) Author: Mr. Pier Michele Roviera Virgin Galactic, United States, [email protected] Dr. Thomas Trapp Virgin Galactic, United States, [email protected] Dr. Andrew Duggleby Virgin Galactic, United States, [email protected] LAUNCHERONE CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS, TEST AND LAUNCH FACILITIES Abstract Virgin Orbit LauncherOne is a space transportation system, presently in its final development stage, that will provide affordable, responsive and dedicated launch services for small satellites, typically 300-500 Kg, over a wide range of orbital inclinations (0-120 deg). The launch vehicle is designed and manufactured in a dedicated facility at Long Beach, California, while engines and stages tests take places at Virgin Orbit facilities at the Mojave Air and Space Port, CA, that will be also home of the first operational launches, starting later this year. LauncherOne, a two-stage liquid propulsion (LOx/RP-1) vehicle, will be launched from a dedicated Boeing 747-400 (\Cosmic Girl"), allowing for unparalleled operational flexibility with no need of a fixed, dedicated ground launch infrastructure. The launch system is thus a fully transportable deployable from any spaceport worldwide. The operational Virgin Orbit test facilities in Mojave fulfil LauncherOne engines development qualification through full duration flight acceptance, as well as flight- items stage tests up to full mission duration hot firing. Significant evolutions are already planned in order to prepare the Mojave test site for future developments and high launch rate. The present paper will highlight the LauncherOne system Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and the related facilities as well as the recent development and test activities performed in Mojave, together with an overview of the future perspectives. 1.

Copy Link

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]
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]
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]
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]
Federal Register/Vol. 84, No. 72/Monday, April 15, 2019
15296 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 72 / Monday, April 15, 2019 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket: Background documents or FSS—Flight safety system comments received may be read at PC—Probability of casualty Federal Aviation Administration http://www.regulations.gov at any time. PI—Probability of impact Follow the online instructions for RLV—Reusable launch vehicle 14 CFR Parts 401, 404, 413, 414, 415, accessing the docket or go to the Docket Table of Contents 417, 420, 431, 433, 435, 437, 440, and Operations in Room W12–140 of the 450 I. Overview of Proposed Rule West Building Ground Floor at 1200 II. Background [Docket No.: FAA–2019–0229; Notice No. New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, A. History 19–01] DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday B. Licensing Process through Friday, except Federal holidays. C. National Space Council RIN 2120–AL17 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For D. Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirements Aviation Streamlined Launch and Reentry questions concerning this action, contact Randy Repcheck, Office of Rulemaking Committee Licensing Requirements III. Discussion of the Proposal Commercial Space Transportation, A. The FAA’s Approach To Updating and AGENCY: Federal Aviation Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Streamlining Launch and Reentry Administration (FAA), Department of Independence Avenue SW, Washington, Regulations Transportation (DOT). DC 205914; telephone (202) 267–8760; B. Single Vehicle Operator License ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking email [email protected]. C. Performance-Based Requirements and (NPRM). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Means of Compliance D. Launch From a Federal Launch Range SUMMARY: This rulemaking would Authority for This Rulemaking E.
[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]
International Flight Test News
Sent to You as a Benefit of Your SFTE Membership www.sfte.org Join/Renew SFTE Membership International Flight Test News Sikorsky Gathering Data To Expand SB>1 Defiant's Flight Envelope In Additional Test Flights Boeing and Sikorsky are gathering more propulsion system data on the ground to support further flight testing of their SB>1 Defiant advanced compound helicopter. After three successful flight tests, starting with the helicopter's first flight in March 2019, the two firms are making tweaks to expand the helicopter's flight envelope. The goal is for the Defiant to eventually demonstrate a cruising speed of 250 knots, substantially faster than traditional helicopters in the same general weight class, such as the Army's existing UH-60 Black Hawks. The SB>1 uses a compound helicopter configuration with a pair of co-axial main rotor blades on top, as well as a pusher propeller in the rear, to achieve this high-speed flight. The Drive Air Force Academy Teams Up With Test Pilot School In New Candidacy Program Two Air Force Academy graduates from the Class of 2019 have been nominated to attend the Air Force Test Pilot School in 2022 as part of a new training partnership between the two institutions. Second Lts. Maria Carter and Abraham Eaton were selected this spring as potential engineering candidates. Unlike other engineering candidates, they will not be required to complete two years’ service in their field before attending TPS. The lieutenants will enter master’s degree programs, serve approximately eight months in a test unit at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and move directly into TPS -- provided they are confirmed by the Air Force Material Command operations chief at the upcoming Test Falcon selection board.
[Show full text]
Redalyc.Status and Trends of Smallsats and Their Launch Vehicles
Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management ISSN: 1984-9648 [email protected] Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço Brasil Wekerle, Timo; Bezerra Pessoa Filho, José; Vergueiro Loures da Costa, Luís Eduardo; Gonzaga Trabasso, Luís Status and Trends of Smallsats and Their Launch Vehicles — An Up-to-date Review Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management, vol. 9, núm. 3, julio-septiembre, 2017, pp. 269-286 Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço São Paulo, Brasil Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=309452133001 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative doi: 10.5028/jatm.v9i3.853 Status and Trends of Smallsats and Their Launch Vehicles — An Up-to-date Review Timo Wekerle1, José Bezerra Pessoa Filho2, Luís Eduardo Vergueiro Loures da Costa1, Luís Gonzaga Trabasso1 ABSTRACT: This paper presents an analysis of the scenario of small satellites and its correspondent launch vehicles. The INTRODUCTION miniaturization of electronics, together with reliability and performance increase as well as reduction of cost, have During the past 30 years, electronic devices have experienced allowed the use of commercials-off-the-shelf in the space industry, fostering the Smallsat use. An analysis of the enormous advancements in terms of performance, reliability and launched Smallsats during the last 20 years is accomplished lower prices. In the mid-80s, a USD 36 million supercomputer and the main factors for the Smallsat (r)evolution, outlined.
[Show full text]
The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017
Federal Aviation Administration The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 January 2017 Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 i Contents About the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation The Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA AST) licenses and regulates U.S. commercial space launch and reentry activity, as well as the operation of non-federal launch and reentry sites, as authorized by Executive Order 12465 and Title 51 United States Code, Subtitle V, Chapter 509 (formerly the Commercial Space Launch Act). FAA AST’s mission is to ensure public health and safety and the safety of property while protecting the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States during commercial launch and reentry operations. In addition, FAA AST is directed to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space launches and reentries. Additional information concerning commercial space transportation can be found on FAA AST’s website: http://www.faa.gov/go/ast Cover art: Phil Smith, The Tauri Group (2017) Publication produced for FAA AST by The Tauri Group under contract. NOTICE Use of trade names or names of manufacturers in this document does not constitute an official endorsement of such products or manufacturers, either expressed or implied, by the Federal Aviation Administration. ii Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2017 GENERAL CONTENTS Executive Summary 1 Introduction 5 Launch Vehicles 9 Launch and Reentry Sites 21 Payloads 35 2016 Launch Events 39 2017 Annual Commercial Space Transportation Forecast 45 Space Transportation Law and Policy 83 Appendices 89 Orbital Launch Vehicle Fact Sheets 100 iii Contents DETAILED CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .
[Show full text]
Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (SPCE) Putting the Zero in Zero-G
June 2021 Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (SPCE) Putting the Zero in Zero-G We are short shares of Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc., often described as the only publicly traded space-tourism company. After going public in October 2019 by way of a merger with a “blank check” company, Virgin Galactic has seen its share price and trading volume soar. It’s become a retail darling, with day traders captivated by images of billionaires donning space suits, blasting off from launchpads, and looking down on the blue marble of Earth. But Virgin Galactic’s $250,000+ commercial “spaceflights” – if they ever actually happen, after some 17 years of delays and disasters – will offer only the palest imitations of these experiences. In lieu of pressurized space suits with helmets – unnecessary since so little time will be spent in the upper atmosphere – the company commissioned Under Armour to provide “high-tech pajamas.” In lieu of vertical takeoff, Virgin’s “spaceship” must cling to the underside of a specialized airplane for the first 45,000 feet up, because its rocket motor is too weak to push through the lower atmosphere on its own. In lieu of the blue-marble vista and life in zero-g, Virgin’s so-called astronauts will at best be able to catch a glimpse of the curvature of Earth and a few minutes of weightlessness before plunging back to ground. This isn’t “tourism,” let alone Virgin’s more grandiose term, “exploration”; it’s closer to a souped- up roller coaster, like the “Drop of Doom” ride at Six Flags.
[Show full text]
Rewarding Energy Innovation to Achieve Climate Stabilization
Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons Faculty Publications 2011 Eyes on a Climate Prize: Rewarding Energy Innovation to Achieve Climate Stabilization Jonathan H. Adler Case Western University School of Law, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/faculty_publications Part of the Environmental Law Commons, and the Science and Technology Law Commons Repository Citation Adler, Jonathan H., "Eyes on a Climate Prize: Rewarding Energy Innovation to Achieve Climate Stabilization" (2011). Faculty Publications. 656. https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/faculty_publications/656 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. \\jciprod01\productn\H\HLE\35-1\HLE101.txt unknown Seq: 1 14-MAR-11 12:33 EYES ON A CLIMATE PRIZE:REWARDING ENERGY INNOVATION TO ACHIEVE CLIMATE STABILIZATION Jonathan H. Adler* Stabilizing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at double their pre-in- dustrial levels (or lower) will require emission reductions far in excess of what can be achieved at a politically acceptable cost with current or projected levels of tech- nology. Substantial technological innovation is required if the nations of the world are to come anywhere close to proposed emission reduction targets. Neither tradi- tional federal support for research and development of new technologies nor tradi- tional command-and-control regulations are likely to spur sufficient innovation. Technology inducement prizes, on the other hand, have the potential to significantly accelerate the rate of technological innovation in the energy sector.
[Show full text]