An all-hybrid propulsion launch vehicle? Good luck.
The problem is scale. Big solids have their own problems but at least they work. Big hybrids, not so much.
Quote from: QuantumG on 05/31/2017 01:06 amThe problem is scale. Big solids have their own problems but at least they work. Big hybrids, not so much. I believe that's why Gilmour is using multiple small hybrid engines.
Gilmour Space Technologies has raised AU$5M of funding from Blackbird Ventures and 500 Startups! They aim to have first launch in 4qt 2020 of their Eris launch vehicle................
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 05/30/2017 04:33 amGilmour Space Technologies has raised AU$5M of funding from Blackbird Ventures and 500 Startups! They aim to have first launch in 4qt 2020 of their Eris launch vehicle................ Well.. at the rate RocketLab and Stratolaunch are progressing, if GST don't hurry up a bit, there may not be much of a market left for them to capitalise on.I wonder if Stratolaunch has the range to cross the Pacific? ;)
Even if Gilmore executes perfectly, their chances are slim in such a competitive environment.
Quote from: ChrisWilson68 on 06/01/2017 02:18 amEven if Gilmore executes perfectly, their chances are slim in such a competitive environment.IMO its a ridiculously noncompetitive environment. Everyone is years and years late entering commercial services despite big claims.
For a healthy market you want dozens of providers globally
, right now there are none.
"Threats" keep coming and going with very little actually materializing. There is loads and loads of room for any new entrant to come and actually launch a business- SpaceX is busy colonizing the universe. I'm sure they'll allocate tons of time taking care of nanosat needs. Because its somehow in their interests to crush tiny competitors ?
- Blue Origin has not been able to fly a single paying customer payload even suborbitally. Plans on colonizing the moon- Splashy team like Firefly with all the people, tech and funds needed came and went in an eyeblink- Defense industry has botched two programs ( Super Strypi, ALASA ) in the short few years - Virgin has been achieving two things: spinning out more companies and killing people- There are a bunch of 3-4 people companies around with websites, presentations, fiberglass mockups and conference talks, that seem more in a showbusiness rather than space launch
There is absolutely zero certainty in how this space is going to shape up in the next few years. But that's more of a rant for this thread
Quote from: savuporo on 06/01/2017 02:41 amFor a healthy market you want dozens of providers globallyNot at all. There are only two providers of wide-body airliners, but the market is very healthy, with cut-throat competition.
They recently bought 10 t of HTP from Germany for $125K or $12.50/kg. They plan on making their own HTP to reduce cost.
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 06/05/2017 09:45 amThey recently bought 10 t of HTP from Germany for $125K or $12.50/kg. They plan on making their own HTP to reduce cost. Totally not surprising to me. The HTP plant will most likely also come from Germany. I wonder how Gilmour is related to Nammo and other European companies. Has anyone info?
Mostly funded from Singapore I think
Gilmour Space Technologies is a space startup headquartered in Queensland, Australia, with a subsidiary in Singapore. Founded in 2015, the company aims to provide low-cost access to space by developing a sounding rocket, Ariel, and an orbital launch vehicle, Eris. Both will be powered by their proprietary hybrid rocket engine and 3D-printed fuel. Gilmour Space is also developing a CubeSat for deep space missions, propelled by a smaller version of the same engine.
Michelle: We’ll start launching our sounding rockets at the end of next year.