JP Aerospace (JPA) is developing the MicroSat Launcher (ML) to provide primary orbital launch services for payloads up to approximately five kilograms. The ML system uses a high altitude air launched method to achieve orbit. It consists of an air launched two stage rocket and a lighter than air launch platform. The air-launched system gives several distinct advantages over a ground launch system. The low pressure at the launch altitude dramatically reduces the aerodynamic loads on the rocket. This allows a significant reduction in the structural mass of the rocket. This combined with the enhanced motor performance in vacuum enables orbital performance from a very small rocket. Over a number of years JP Aerospace has made significant progress in developing the rocket, the balloon launch methods. This proposal leverages our earlier development efforts to realistically allow for a space flight during a Phase II follow-on to this SBIR contract. In this effort we will focus on available low cost propulsion options, payload interface design, launch profile, orbital analysis and collimating a flight test of the payload ejection system with an existing vehicle.
Benefits: The vehicle is designed to be extremely low cost to meet the needs of new developing satellite markets. Though interest in microsatellites has been increasing, manifesting these vehicles as secondary payloads has been difficult due to potential interference with or damage to the multi-million dollar primary payloads. We intend to not only meet the growing need for microsatellite launch services with our dedicated launch vehicle, but also streamline the entire process of getting small payloads into space quickly. Our fast/low cost orbital services will truly enable a next generation of tactical satellites for the Air Force. The JPA vehicle has also been selected by Stanford University for dedicated launch of the International CubeSats satellite standard.
Keywords: Microsatellite, Rockoon, Cubesat, Launch on Demand, Air Launch, Orbital launch system, Low Cost launch system, rocket
