Cost effective launch technology for communications satellites
Abstract
The present investigation is concerned with the possibility to reduce the costs for placing satellites in orbit by making use of an 'Air Launch' system. It is pointed out that the launching of rockets to orbit from aircraft in flight has been done successfully. It is suggested to modify the existing technology for the purpose of launching communications satellites and other payloads to orbit. Thus, the Air Launch Concept combines aircraft and missile technologies to produce a method of transport to orbit. A heavy lift cargo aircraft is employed to fly a rocket and the satellite payload to a specific location at the service ceiling of the aircraft. Attention is given to aspects of cost reduction, commercial and technical benefits, the anticipated market, and technical details.
- Publication:
-
Lausanne International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984laus.iafcR....T
- Keywords:
-
- Air Launching;
- Communication Satellites;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- Launch Vehicles;
- Spacecraft Launching;
- Technology Assessment;
- Airports;
- Commercial Spacecraft;
- Finance;
- Launch Vehicle Configurations;
- Marketing;
- Military Spacecraft;
- Space Commercialization;
- Space Stations;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles