The emergence of the so-called. micro- and nanosatellites have enabled many organizations to launch their own space programs. Nevertheless, the cost of launching such vehicles still remains at a fairly high level, as a result of which proposals regularly appear regarding new launch vehicles and methods for launching satellites into orbit. Recently, the Spanish company Celestia Aerospace announced the start of its project, which aims to provide a relatively simple and cheap launch of miniature spacecraft.
The project called SALS (Sagitarius Airborne Launch System) implies the widest use of existing developments and technology. It is assumed that such an approach to design will make it as easy as possible to prepare for the launch of satellites, as well as provide the lowest possible cost. The exact cost of launching a single micro- or nanosatellite has not yet been determined, but Spanish experts expect the SALS system to compete with existing light-class launch vehicles currently used to launch small spacecraft.
The SALS project is currently at the concept stage. It is planned to hire 40 specialists to develop technical documentation in the near future. Over the next five years, it is planned to expand the organization's staff to 350 designers. It is noted that the company will primarily recruit young professionals who have recently graduated from universities.
Due to the relative complexity of rocketry, Celestia Aerospace proposes to launch spacecraft into orbit using a combined aerospace system. The SALS complex will include an aircraft and two types of launch vehicles. This combination of launch vehicles will significantly reduce the launch cost in comparison with "classic" launch vehicles for satellite launch.
Nanosatellites weighing up to 10 kg of a cubic shape with a facet length of up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) are considered as the payload of the SALS system. Depending on the type of launch vehicle used, from 4 to 16 vehicles will be simultaneously launched into orbit.
The largest component of the SALS complex should be the Archer 1 aircraft ("Archer-1"). It is proposed to use a Soviet / Russian-made MiG-29UB fighter as this carrier. All weapons and part of military radio-electronic equipment will be removed from the plane. In addition, it will be equipped with a set of equipment necessary to launch rockets with nanosatellites.
The direct delivery of the payload into orbit will be carried out using Space Arrow SM and Space Arrow CM ("Space Arrow") rockets. Solid-propellant rockets will be developed based on existing developments. The characteristics of these products will be such that the rockets will be able to climb to a sufficient height and drop payloads in the form of miniature satellites. The Space Arrow SM rocket will be smaller and will be able to carry four nanosatellites. The larger Space Arrow CM is designed to launch 16 vehicles into orbit.
According to Celestia Aerospace, the use of the SALS complex will look like this. The Luchnik-1 aircraft with a rocket / missiles under its wing will take off from a conventional airfield and climb to an altitude of about 20 km. At a given altitude, the demilitarized fighter must launch a Space Arrow SM / CM rocket with a payload on board. Further, the rocket, due to its own solid-propellant engine (at the initial stage of flight), and then, by inertia, should reach an altitude of about 600 km. At this altitude, it is planned to discharge nanosatellites.
According to experts, the Archer-1 aircraft will be able to simultaneously carry four Space Arrow SM missiles or one Space Arrow CM. In both cases, the SALS complex will provide up to 16 satellites in orbit. At the same time, depending on the requirements of customers, it is possible both to simultaneously lift 16 vehicles to the same height (using a larger rocket), and to launch satellites into different orbits (using Space Arrow SM). In the latter case, several missiles can be launched, each of which has its own flight program.
According to the assurances of the authors of the project, the SALS system will have several advantageous differences from other means of launching small-sized spacecraft. Recall that at present such launches are mainly carried out with the help of "full-fledged" launch vehicles, the main load of which is any commercial satellite. Micro- and nanosatellites in this case are an additional load for a fuller use of the capabilities of the rocket.
The SALS aerospace system is said to provide significantly lower launch costs compared to existing launch vehicles. The launch vehicle will be the only disposable component of the system, and the Archer-1 aircraft can be used dozens or hundreds of times. Thus, the cost of the launch will consist of the costs of assembling the rocket and maintaining the aircraft. The ability to simultaneously launch several satellites should also reduce the cost of launching one spacecraft into orbit. All of this is expected to achieve a price level that is attractive to potential customers.
When launching nanosatellites using "traditional" launch vehicles, the customer has to wait for a place in the rocket from several months to several years. The use of a dedicated aerospace system should reduce waiting times to several weeks. For example, launches can be carried out every two weeks with minor changes to the specific date due to the wishes of customers. Since nanosatellites are the main and only payload of the SALS system, the customer can directly influence the various launch parameters.
Celestia Aerospace is ready to offer customers not only a convenient spacecraft launch vehicle, but also some additional services. The MiG-29UB aircraft proposed for use, being a training vehicle, has two cockpits. For an additional fee, the customer will be able to personally attend the launch of the Space Arrow rocket with its nanosatellite. In addition to the launch, the client will be able to see the planet from a height of 20 km. Such "tourism" has gained a certain distribution and may be of great interest both for participants in space programs and for ordinary aviation enthusiasts.
Currently, Spanish specialists are completing preliminary work on a new project. In the near future, the development of design documentation should begin. The first test launch of the Space Arrow rocket is scheduled for early 2016. According to current plans, the launch vehicles will be produced at the company's site in Barcelona. The airport of Castellón (Valencia) is considered as a site for flights.
In the future, Celestia Aerospace intends to gain a foothold in the nanosatellite market, having mastered several "specialties". The company's maximum program is the development and production of custom-made nanosatellites with their subsequent launch. Such a proposal should attract the attention of various organizations wishing to have their own miniature spacecraft.
The SALS project is in its earliest stages, but already now it is of great interest both for potential customers and for the interested public. In case of successful completion of the work, Celestia Aerospace will become one of the first organizations that managed not only to create, but also to bring to practical use a full-fledged aerospace system for launching spacecraft. In addition, SALS may become the first operational complex of its class designed specifically for launching nanosatellites. However, it is not yet safe to say that the Spanish engineers will be able to bring the new project to the end. The first news about the results of the work should appear in the very near future.
