Says Launch Vehicle Now 'Optimized' For Small Satellites

Because of their relatively low cost and quick development timelines, small satellites are increasingly appealing both to established satellite users feeling the reality of fixed or declining budgets and to new entities looking to undertake their first space missions.

But despite their incredible promise and impressive results to date, small satellites cannot reach their full effectiveness without a launch vehicle optimized for their particular needs and capabilities. Innovators in government labs, private companies, and universities have shown the world that even the smallest of satellites can accomplish significant things, and can transform the way we use spacecraft to improve life here on Earth, but to date have been limited by the cost and inflexibility of their launch options. With LauncherOne, Virgin Galactic says it can solve that problem, dramatically cut the cost of launching small satellites while accommodating customer needs for launch availability and flexibility.

In a news release, the company says it has made great strides in developing LauncherOne since beginning work in earnest in mid-2012. With development being led by a dedicated team of more than 150 experienced professionals, the LauncherOne team has already conducted extensive component-level testing of the vehicle’s key systems, including the vehicle’s first and second stage liquid rocket engines, composite tanks, avionics, and others. Earlier, the LauncherOne program moved into a new, 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Long Beach, California, which will be the home to the remainder of LauncherOne’s development program as well as on-going manufacturing of launch vehicles.

When the LauncherOne program was announced, the small satellite market was still quite new and unproven. In the time since, the market has expanded to include many more satellite manufacturers and operators. Some of the satellite innovators are designing satellites larger than they had originally planned; other companies are seeking to launch multiple satellites at the same time. Virgin Galactic says their optimized LauncherOne will give them the launch vehicle they need.

Initially, the company said it would be able to launch ~120 kg (about 264 pounds) to a standard Sun-Synchronous Orbit for less than $10 million. It now says they are able to offer the ability to launch 200 kg (440 pounds) to the same orbit for that same amount. If customers desire additional capacity or services, they can also choose to purchase those.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.virgingalactic.com/satellite-launch/l1-operations/