The Incremental Development of a Cost-Effective Small Launch Vehicle for Nanosat Payloads

This paper provides a perspective on some of the major issues and challenges associated with developing a dedicated capability for placing 10 kg “nanosat” payloads into low earth orbit. By offering dedicated launches in place of secondary payload opportunities and/or converted surplus Soviet ballistic missile systems, it is anticipated that such a service could significantly expand the participation of the domestic academic and research communities in space operations. The observations and conclusions presented herein are derived from extensive personal interactions that have taken place during the initial phases of the development of such launch services. * AIAA Senior Member † AIAA Member