Israël also addressed Arianespace’s ability to accommodate satellite constellations of the future, many of which are envisioned to involve large numbers of very small-sized (“micro”) spacecraft. He said a “micro launcher” – capable of deploying constellation payloads of approximately 300 kg. to low Earth orbits – could be of interest as a potential addition to the company’s launch vehicle portfolio.“We are ready to listen to the market as concepts for such constellations take shape, and Arianespace is open to discussions on possible launch services solutions complementary to our launcher family,” Israël concluded. “The space sector has a role to play in meeting demands of increased connectivity for those already connected, and to connect those who currently do not have access.”
The SMILE project page has been launched. (it was down for a short time.)
This is how space works in Europe, a single company can't raise enough funding to develop it's system. So the companies have to work together.
You said you were holding back one project, was it SMILE or something else?
I stumbled accross a news release on andoyaspace.no.It's in norwegan, not a language I know. But from the simularities in Germanic languages; I think it states the following:ASC invites locals for a presentation/discussion about the intent to start orbital launches from ASC.The event is planned for 17 Oktober from 18-21 hours.First results of the SMILE project?And lets not forget this news release from SSC (Rainbow project)
Its for a programme also called NSLV in older documentation.
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 10/01/2017 07:37 PMIts for a programme also called NSLV in older documentation.Which of the two; ASC or SSC?
May I sugest to change the subject of this topic into "European new micro launchers".
Regarding M-51, I don't think the French MoD is interested in maintaining a continuous production of M51. It is interesting in the industrial base for solids, but that can be accomplished by having a specifically civilian solid stage in production or design. No need to have a common military/civilian design. Besides, ICBM are purchased in batches (roughly 1 batch per submarine), and then the production stops, so keeping a low-rate production for civilian use is not optimal.So Vega-L will most likely have aZ40 1st stage, with a VUS or Z9 on top.
IT IS OFFICIAL: @ESA awards Spain´s @PLD_Space´s #ARION2 proposal for a small satellite orbital #Microlauncher. #Smallsats #Spain #Technology #Science
UK-Ukrainian launch vehicle developer Skyrora to establish smallsat launch siteWARSAW, Poland — U.K.-based Skyrora has unveiled plans to host a suborbital test flight in the fourth quarter of 2018. As part of its strategy to meet the rising demand for small satellite launches in a cost-effective manner, the company aims to set up a facility to launch smallsats from Scotland....“Our decision to use hydrogen peroxide and kerosene came about for a variety of reasons, and we do appreciate the link with Black Arrow and feel a certain sentimental connection to that project,” according to Smith. “We’re actually planning to sponsor the build of a full-size replica Black Arrow for the Wight Aviation Museum, as we’d like to help ensure that future generations are aware of the fascinating story of Britain’s first and only satellite launcher to date.”
Seems the Horizon Black Arrow 2 page has been updated. They are now showing late 2019 for their first launch.http://www.horizonsas.com/products/
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 02/11/2018 04:10 AMSeems the Horizon Black Arrow 2 page has been updated. They are now showing late 2019 for their first launch.http://www.horizonsas.com/products/When was the former launch date?
After Brexit, I'm not sure if launchers form the UK could still be considered European. I think the UK companies can't participate in a European Union competition. But the Brexit is still in proces, so this is a very uncertain situation right now.AFAIK the UK will stay a member of ESA, thus they can participate in FLPP-NEO projects, ESA funded projects.
13.02.2018 14:45MT AEROSPACE IS CONDUCTING RESEARCH INTO NEW CONCEPTS FOR COMMERCIAL MICRO-LAUNCHERS ON BEHALF OF ESAUntil now, small satellites have frequently had to “ride piggyback” on larger missions. In an effort to find ways of reducing the time required to place them in low earth orbits, the European Space Agency ESA recently instructed MT Aerospace AG among others to conduct feasibility studies into micro-launchers.The Augsburg-based space technology company is exploring three different innovative launch service ideas. In one case, the plan is for the two- or three-stage micro-launcher to lift off from the ground to place payloads with a weight of up to 200 kilograms in orbit. Contributed by Dassault Aviation to the study, the “Daneo” scenario provides for the launcher to lift off from an airborne aircraft. This would be a viable option for satellites weighing 50 kilograms. A further option being explored involves launching small satellites with a mass of up to 75 kilograms from the “Bloostar”, a stratospheric vehicle, which is a cross between a balloon and a rocket developed by Barcelona company Zero 2 Infinity.MT Aerospace in conjunction with its respective partner will now be assessing the technological and economic feasibility of all three alternatives, developing business cases for comprehensive launch service packages for a low earth orbit and identifying the most promising option. “A European commercial microlauncher can meet the growing need for dedicated launch services to companies with small satellites,” commented Jerome Breteau, manager of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, under which the studies have been awarded, in the corresponding agency report.“Launchers and their technological and economic optimization form part of our core business. “We are proud to be involved in the development of dedicated micro-launcher systems as such developments will help to place and keep Germany and the rest of Europe at the cutting edge of space technology,” says Hans J. Steininger, CEO of MT Aerospace.MT Aerospace has been successfully involved in all ARIANE launchers for more than 50 years and is currently also working on the new ARIANE 6 including the launch pad at the space port in Kourou, French-Guiana.http://www.mt-aerospace.de/news-details-en/items/mt-aerospace-is-conducting-research-into-new-concepts-for-commercial-micro-launchers-on-behalf-of-esa.html