Equatorial Space Industries

[Tywin]

It's look like we have a new company of launcher, this time from Singapur 

https://equatorialspace.com/

They have the rocket Volans:



And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

The newspace race in Asia is on fire 

[Steven Pietrobon]

Propulsion: Hybrid (Paraffin/LOX)
Length: 8m
Diameter: 1m
Stages: 2
Launch Mass: 7 tons
List Price: $1,000,000 per Launch
Payload: 71 kg (1°, 400 km) to 6 kg (SSO, 1200 km)

[PM3]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

[xyv]

Paraffin?  Let's light this candle up!

...I'll let myself out...

[CameronD]

Paraffin?

Well, if you can't buy RP-1...

[edzieba]

Paraffin?

Well, if you can't buy RP-1...

Could be regional confusion: the US uses Kerosene for both the refined and less refined versions, where many parts of the world use Kerosene for the less refined aviation fuel and Paraffin for the more refined version. RP-1 is refined Kerosene, after all, so could also be called a high grade of Paraffin.

[RonM]

Paraffin?

Well, if you can't buy RP-1...

Could be regional confusion: the US uses Kerosene for both the refined and less refined versions, where many parts of the world use Kerosene for the less refined aviation fuel and Paraffin for the more refined version. RP-1 is refined Kerosene, after all, so could also be called a high grade of Paraffin.

It's a hybrid engine, so the paraffin is a solid. The other name for kerosene is paraffin oil.

[Tywin]

Good news, for Equatorial Space Industries, they received a invest from a Space Angel...enough cash maybe for see the launcher Volans...

It will support development of ESI’s upcoming suborbital SHARP (Suborbital Hybrid Ascent and Recovery Program) vehicle slated to fly in early 2020. The vehicle’s engine will use liquid Nitrous Oxide as compared Liquid Oxygen used in the previous v.2.2 Engine ground prototype, and will be capable of in-flight restartability.

The location of the test flight, as well as cooperation and arrangements with local suppliers and authorities, will be revealed in the next few months. ESI’s Volans microlauncher is expected to conduct its first test flight in 2021 from a yet-to-be determined location in the APAC region.

https://spacewatch.global/2019/06/equatorial-space-industries-secures-angel-funding/

40 kg per half million?  will see...

[Jamie Anderson]

Update on Volans vehicle

https://www.equatorialspace.com/the-volans

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

I am a Singaporean Student, i can help bring some info on ESI. From their facebook page, they are going to test their 1500m test rocket soon after the COVID reopening here. I can try to get into contact with them if you guys would like, i emailed them recently on my own Rocket Project about the legality of firing it in such a country with strict laws against anything that flies.(Mine is a motor so its okay).

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

To be honest though, i would prefer them to have a liquid Rocket Engine from Ursa Major because Hybrids are a pain in the ass once you scale it up.Technical skills here is just lacking to be honest, the most that we can do here is hybrids because Laws hate Solids and we don't have the expertise,capital and talent for the knowledge in Liquid Rocket Engines.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Update on Volans vehicle

https://www.equatorialspace.com/the-volans

Woah are you the Jamie Anderson in the ESI website,if so i want to ask if scaling hybrids in the Singapore context is possible.Space is no issue because we just need a warehouse in the industrial zones but does the proprietary fuel by ESI allow the successful scaling of a hybrid rocket?

[john smith 19]

To be honest though, i would prefer them to have a liquid Rocket Engine from Ursa Major because Hybrids are a pain in the ass once you scale it up.Technical skills here is just lacking to be honest, the most that we can do here is hybrids because Laws hate Solids and we don't have the expertise,capital and talent for the knowledge in Liquid Rocket Engines.

American Rocket (AmRoc) built LOX hybrids up to 250k Lb which were ground tested. The untimely death of their CEO killed the project.  There were studies done in the late 70's/early 80's of hybrid versions of the shuttle SRB's.

Historically hybrids don't deliver the Isp of solids but IIRC NASA awarded contracts to see if this could be improved. Going from a rubber based to a paraffin wax based fuel gives a surface that vaporizes much more easily and is more turbulent, promoting more effective GO2/fuel mixing. This suggested Isps of solids without the explosives issues were possible. This can be improved further by borrowing (from the Sprint ABM programme) the trick of embedding metal "staples" or "caltraps"  in steel, aluminum or magnesium in the fuel to conduct heat to the surface and add energy to the burn.

This also means the design can be worked on in built up areas. It's only when you bring in the oxidizer you need lots of space for a big test.

For a commercial LV mfg hybrids are not a terrible choice. I'm always extremely suspicious of supposed commercial designs that use solids, especially in the main stages. Unless you mfg them yourselves you're at the mercy of your suppliers pricing (one of the reasons the Pegasus XL is the most expensive launcher per Kg on the planet).

They make great weapon systems

[john smith 19]

Update on Volans vehicle

https://www.equatorialspace.com/the-volans

Hmm

Chilled Nox oxidizer and a Sea Launch style floating launch pad.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

On their site, the solid parrafin fuel has a formula name of HRF-1AL. Given that the regression rate is higher, it is most likely ultra fine aluminum powder at about 40%of mass.Chilled Nitrous to improve density impulse.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Hmm

Chilled Nox oxidizer and a Sea Launch style floating launch pad.

The region is not that good for that because the best nearby location is the South China sea where our neighbors mainly have military airspace and are generally not open to using their airspace.We could use an Indonesian Island called Natuna island in the Riau Islands where there are no airways and shipping ways for at least 200km down range for polar orbits to the north but since its in the South China Sea and due to disputes, it would be really hard to get a launch site there. Sea launch is expensive as you need to take into account wear by the sea and the infrastructure is very expensive to build which is quite difficult for a start up with less than 200K in funding for now.
My country(Singapore) is doing an interesting approach to the space industry where it will not be financially supporting any company which is quite different from the traditional private-public partnerships like Australia where its pumping in 150M into the space industry.And given how bad the economy is now, its going to be hard to get VC funding for the foreseeable future for start ups in Singapore.So i don't really agree with my countries strategy.

[CameronD]

Hmm

Chilled Nox oxidizer and a Sea Launch style floating launch pad.

The region is not that good for that because the best nearby location is the South China sea where our neighbors mainly have military airspace and are generally not open to using their airspace.We could use an Indonesian Island called Natuna island in the Riau Islands where there are no airways and shipping ways for at least 200km down range for polar orbits to the north but since its in the South China Sea and due to disputes, it would be really hard to get a launch site there. Sea launch is expensive as you need to take into account wear by the sea and the infrastructure is very expensive to build which is quite difficult for a start up with less than 200K in funding for now.
My country(Singapore) is doing an interesting approach to the space industry where it will not be financially supporting any company which is quite different from the traditional private-public partnerships like Australia where its pumping in 150M into the space industry.And given how bad the economy is now, its going to be hard to get VC funding for the foreseeable future for start ups in Singapore.So i don't really agree with my countries strategy.

If you look at their main page, you'll notice Southern Launch are one of their "partners".  Connecting the dots, I would say that if they develop this vehicle to the point of needing somewhere to launch from, they'll most likely ship it to South Australia.
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46926.0


EDIT:  BTW AFAIK, Australia is not "pumping in 150M into the space industry".  Into running the Space Agency maybe, but certainly not industry..

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Hmm

Chilled Nox oxidizer and a Sea Launch style floating launch pad.

The region is not that good for that because the best nearby location is the South China sea where our neighbors mainly have military airspace and are generally not open to using their airspace.We could use an Indonesian Island called Natuna island in the Riau Islands where there are no airways and shipping ways for at least 200km down range for polar orbits to the north but since its in the South China Sea and due to disputes, it would be really hard to get a launch site there. Sea launch is expensive as you need to take into account wear by the sea and the infrastructure is very expensive to build which is quite difficult for a start up with less than 200K in funding for now.
My country(Singapore) is doing an interesting approach to the space industry where it will not be financially supporting any company which is quite different from the traditional private-public partnerships like Australia where its pumping in 150M into the space industry.And given how bad the economy is now, its going to be hard to get VC funding for the foreseeable future for start ups in Singapore.So i don't really agree with my countries strategy.

If you look at their main page, you'll notice Southern Launch are one of their "partners".  Connecting the dots, I would say that if they develop this vehicle to the point of needing somewhere to launch from, they'll most likely ship it to South Australia.
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46926.0


EDIT:  BTW AFAIK, Australia is not "pumping in 150M into the space industry".  Into running the Space Agency maybe, but certainly not industry..

Yeah this is why i am also quite skeptical of it being a South East Asian operated Launch company, it will move to Australia just like how Gilmour did. The rules and regulations here are really unfriendly to launch companies sadly.

[CameronD]

If you look at their main page, you'll notice Southern Launch are one of their "partners".  Connecting the dots, I would say that if they develop this vehicle to the point of needing somewhere to launch from, they'll most likely ship it to South Australia.
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46926.0


EDIT:  BTW AFAIK, Australia is not "pumping in 150M into the space industry".  Into running the Space Agency maybe, but certainly not industry..

Yeah this is why i am also quite skeptical of it being a South East Asian operated Launch company, it will move to Australia just like how Gilmour did. The rules and regulations here are really unfriendly to launch companies sadly.

Gilmour are, and have always been, an Australian company.  There's nothing to stop Equatorial Space building their rockets in Singapore, thus supporting the local economy.  Launch control also can be handled remotely these days (particularly from so tech-advanced a country as Singapore), so MCC is most likely to be in Singapore also.

And if ELA ever get to launch big rockets from the Northern Territory then they'll have two places they can launch from on Australian soil, so I guess I'm not as skeptical as you are. 

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

If you look at their main page, you'll notice Southern Launch are one of their "partners".  Connecting the dots, I would say that if they develop this vehicle to the point of needing somewhere to launch from, they'll most likely ship it to South Australia.
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46926.0


EDIT:  BTW AFAIK, Australia is not "pumping in 150M into the space industry".  Into running the Space Agency maybe, but certainly not industry..

Yeah this is why i am also quite skeptical of it being a South East Asian operated Launch company, it will move to Australia just like how Gilmour did. The rules and regulations here are really unfriendly to launch companies sadly.

Gilmour are, and have always been, an Australian company.  There's nothing to stop Equatorial Space building their rockets in Singapore, thus supporting the local economy.  Launch control also can be handled remotely these days (particularly from so tech-advanced a country as Singapore), so MCC is most likely to be in Singapore also.

And if ELA ever get to launch big rockets from the Northern Territory then they'll have two places they can launch from on Australian soil, so I guess I'm not as skeptical as you are. 

It would be more expensive to operate according to what you have suggested because shipping a fully build rocket is going to be quite expensive and time consuming considering how far Singapore is from the South Australian Launch site.Maybe the engines could be made in Singapore but there is no obvious advantage of that as  manufacturing and testing  of the engines can also be done in Australia which is in fact a much better place since Singapore is  Land scarce.That's why i think Equatorial will move to Australia and maybe come back to the Singapore and the wider ASEAN region when regulations are much more friendlier to launch activities because we have little to no regulatory framework in Singapore plus the government is unlikely to establish any space agency for the foreseeable future

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

ESS has launched for the first time!!

"The Low Altitude Demonstrator rocket - the very first in-fight demonstration of our proprietary solid fuel which allows for high-performance, stable hybrid rocket propulsion, have successfully launched in the morning of 21st December 2020 at Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia.

The rocket lifted off at approximately 11:40 local time, among spectators ranging from academia, government officials and MNCs representatives who joined the teams Equatorial Space, as well as MTC Engineering Sdn Bhd, as well as HEMREL Lab at the Universiti Teknologi MARA, as well as design collaborator Zu Puayen Tan of @Boleh Rocket for this historic flight involving an international collaboration among Southeast Asian neighbours.

We couldn’t be more grateful to our Malaysian partners for their invaluable logistical and organisational support, and look forward on further collaboration in the future!"

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/equatorialspace_ess-equatorialspace-space-activity-6746777811429789696-YlsR

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

https://spacewatch.global/2021/01/equatorial-space-systems-concludes-first-test-flight/?no_cache=1609501402

"The 2.5-meters-long Low Altitude Demonstrator(LAD) took flight over the vast expanse of the Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia at approximately 11:40 local time on Monday, 21st December, and  reached its target altitude of 1.2 kilometres. The vehicle was the very first in-flight demonstration of the Company’s proprietary solid fuel for hybrid rocket motors, the HRF-1"

The LAD:
Length: 2.4m
Diameter: 15cm
Target Altitude: 1.5km
Total Mass: 22kg
Propulsion: Hybrid (HRF-1AL/NOX)

[Danderman]

https://spacewatch.global/2021/01/equatorial-space-systems-concludes-first-test-flight/?no_cache=1609501402

"The 2.5-meters-long Low Altitude Demonstrator(LAD) took flight over the vast expanse of the Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia at approximately 11:40 local time on Monday, 21st December, and  reached its target altitude of 1.2 kilometres. The vehicle was the very first in-flight demonstration of the Company’s proprietary solid fuel for hybrid rocket motors, the HRF-1"

The LAD:
Length: 2.4m
Diameter: 15cm
Target Altitude: 1.5km
Total Mass: 22kg
Propulsion: Hybrid (HRF-1AL/NOX)

Aren’t all solid fuel rockets using hybrid fuel by definition?

[ZChris13]

https://spacewatch.global/2021/01/equatorial-space-systems-concludes-first-test-flight/?no_cache=1609501402

"The 2.5-meters-long Low Altitude Demonstrator(LAD) took flight over the vast expanse of the Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia at approximately 11:40 local time on Monday, 21st December, and  reached its target altitude of 1.2 kilometres. The vehicle was the very first in-flight demonstration of the Company’s proprietary solid fuel for hybrid rocket motors, the HRF-1"

The LAD:
Length: 2.4m
Diameter: 15cm
Target Altitude: 1.5km
Total Mass: 22kg
Propulsion: Hybrid (HRF-1AL/NOX)

Aren’t all solid fuel rockets using hybrid fuel by definition?

No. Hybrid means one propellant element is solid and the other is liquid (or gas). In this case, the fuel is HRF and the oxidizer is Nitrous Oxide.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

CEO, Simon Gwozdz has said in a tweet that  HRF(Probably the current solid fuel in use), is actually not based on Paraffin.
https://twitter.com/RabakBoy91/status/1347446017340235776?s=20

[Steven Pietrobon]

Possible meanings for HRF.

High Reactivity Fuel
Hybrid Rocket Fuel

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Possible meanings for HRF.

High Reactivity Fuel
Hybrid Rocket Fuel

Possibly High Regression rate Fuel?
edit:Changed screenshot to include graph labels.

[Comga]

https://spacewatch.global/2021/01/equatorial-space-systems-concludes-first-test-flight/?no_cache=1609501402

"The 2.5-meters-long Low Altitude Demonstrator(LAD) took flight over the vast expanse of the Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia at approximately 11:40 local time on Monday, 21st December, and  reached its target altitude of 1.2 kilometres. The vehicle was the very first in-flight demonstration of the Company’s proprietary solid fuel for hybrid rocket motors, the HRF-1"

The LAD:
Length: 2.4m
Diameter: 15cm
Target Altitude: 1.5km
Total Mass: 22kg
Propulsion: Hybrid (HRF-1AL/NOX)

Which was the actual target altitude, 1.2 or 1.5 km?
And what is "NOX"?  N2O= Nitrous Oxide?  NO2=Nitrogen Dioxide?

[Steven Pietrobon]

And what is "NOX"?  N2O= Nitrous Oxide?  NO2=Nitrogen Dioxide?

Nitrous Oxide is the common meaning and is a common oxidiser that is used in hybrids. NO2 converts to N2O4 at low temperatures. The high regression rate and density could come from adding aluminium (AL) to the fuel.

[Jamie Anderson]

Update on Volans vehicle

https://www.equatorialspace.com/the-volans

Woah are you the Jamie Anderson in the ESI website,if so i want to ask if scaling hybrids in the Singapore context is possible.Space is no issue because we just need a warehouse in the industrial zones but does the proprietary fuel by ESI allow the successful scaling of a hybrid rocket?

Hi yes that is me. Sorry for the long delay in reply, I hadn't visited NASA spaceflight forum for many months.

To answer your question we intend to keep the headquarters in Singapore, but an R&D test facility will be opened shortly in Australia to enable large scale motor testing and access to launch facilities in South Australia.

We don't see any issues so far with scaleability of motors based on HRF-1 as we haven't observed any of the structural issues that plague say a paraffin wax, nor the poor efficiency of rubbers like HTPB. From all my experience with hybrids which is nearing 35 years, the bulk of the scaling issues have stemmed from the various attempts to use LOX and the massive amount of heat required to convert the LOX into a gaseous form to mix & combust with the fuel. Can normally only solve that issue by introduction of heat to the oxidiser injection zone, either from devices like pre-burners or injection of pyrophoric agents (ie TEAL). We aren't burdened by this as Nitrous Oxide has a significant heat of formation that contributes to its exothermic decomposition, plus its tenancy to rapidly expand (flash into vapour) makes atomisation & mixing easier as well.

We are proceeding along the development path of building a suborbital rocket named "Dorado" that is aimed at providing low cost access to micro-gravity, space physics or in-space hardware testing. The H300 motor (designation H= Hybrid & 300 = Diameter in mm) will be produced in 20kN thrust version for a sustainer & a 54kN version for a booster. A long burn duration version (>60sec) of this motor with a vacuum nozzle will form the 3rd stage of the Volans launch vehicle. Dorado is completely free of any pyrotechnic devices and has non-hazardous propulsion, so can be operated globally without the same restrictions that plague sounding rockets based on SRMs (class 1.3 explosive hazmat shipping etc).

Volans vehicle first 2 stages are based on the H700 motor, which will be undergoing development firings in the later half of 2022.

As for clearing up a few other things discussed in the thread..

HRF-1 - Hybrid Rocket Fuel -1 the Al designates "Aluminized" (HRF-1 has been tested also without AL)
Nano AL - Its not needed, the chemistry of the fuel is such that 60 micron AL has been shown to combust efficiently
It is Wax - Definitely not made from any parrifinic oil related products, but unfortunately cant divulge what it is made from.
Chilled NOX - We have gone this way for two main reasons, one to improve density (-60 give us 1120kg/m3) & secondly to reduce the NOX vapour pressure & thus oxidiser tank structural / mass requirements. We have been developing a new oxidiser delivery system we dub the eRAVEN, which is essentially an integrated rotational pump/ injector assembly that can deliver the cNOX at between 70 to 100bar.

The use of the cNOX at -60c also doesn't require any innovation in composite materials, allowing us to draw on legacy automated production methods to make lower cost tank & vehicle structures.

The combination of HRF-1AL/ cNOX is able to deliver Isp of over 268 sec at sea level & around 310 sec vacuum, with packaging densities far exceeding KERO/LOX due to the high density of the fuel, and low o/f range (2 to 1).

Anyway hope this provides more info, also we have recently updated the website & you will find the latest representations of the planned launchers & our development pathway are given.

The 19th of June was actually the 32 anniversary of the passing of George Koopman the founder of the American Rocket Company (AMROC), and we announced that our first Volans vehicle will be named the "Koopman Express" in his honor. I was very fortunate to have met and collaborated with George & he was the major inspiration toward my focus on hybrid rockets as the key to routine, and safe space access. I have attached the memorial and the mission patch announcements.

www.equatorialspace.com

[Steven Pietrobon]

Thankyou very much for that detailed update. Looking forward to seeing your rocket fly, hopefully from Whaler's Way here in South Australia! I did not know about that particular problem of using LOX for hybrids, i.e., the great amount of heat required to convert it to a gas at the injector. The only problem I was aware of previously is its tendency to cause stuck LOX valves. I wonder if Gilmour Space is facing similar difficulty, after switching from HTP to LOX in their hybrid motors.

One thing, please tell your website developer to not be browser specific, or at least not give up on showing your web page! This is what I see when I visit your website.

[Jamie Anderson]

Thankyou very much for that detailed update. Looking forward to seeing your rocket fly, hopefully from Whaler's Way here in South Australia! I did not know about that particular problem of using LOX for hybrids, i.e., the great amount of heat required to convert it to a gas at the injector. The only problem I was aware of previously is its tendency to cause stuck LOX valves. I wonder if Gilmour Space is facing similar difficulty, after switching from HTP to LOX in their hybrid motors.

One thing, please tell your website developer to not be browser specific, or at least not give up on showing your web page! This is what I see when I visit your website.

Hi Steven,
No problem ill get this looked into, its hosted at wix so probably a limitation of their platform.

I can tell you pretty confidently after looking at Gilmour's last 2 firing videos they have gone back to using HTP, the catalyst pack assembly visible in the video's is nearly identical looking to the one I developed there in 2017.

[CameronD]

Perhaps cost is a factor also??  LOX is cheap, HTP is reasonable, but NOX is in a ball-park of it's own!

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Seems like ESS is planning to release it's first commercial product.
It's called SPARK or the Student Payload Academic Rocket Kit, it is suited for IREC since the competition requires students to launch a 1U payload to 10k ft.
website:https://www.equatorialspace.com/rockets-spark

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Information on Dorado ,which will be the company's first suborbital launcher, and is advertised to cost half of existing Sounding Rockets.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Volans Orbital Launch Vehicle and the H700 motor.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Development Timeline for the hardware above^^
Refer to Jamie's reply on the thread for in depth information on the hardware,especially the motors.

Update on Volans vehicle

https://www.equatorialspace.com/the-volans

Woah are you the Jamie Anderson in the ESI website,if so i want to ask if scaling hybrids in the Singapore context is possible.Space is no issue because we just need a warehouse in the industrial zones but does the proprietary fuel by ESI allow the successful scaling of a hybrid rocket?

Hi yes that is me. Sorry for the long delay in reply, I hadn't visited NASA spaceflight forum for many months.

To answer your question we intend to keep the headquarters in Singapore, but an R&D test facility will be opened shortly in Australia to enable large scale motor testing and access to launch facilities in South Australia.

We don't see any issues so far with scaleability of motors based on HRF-1 as we haven't observed any of the structural issues that plague say a paraffin wax, nor the poor efficiency of rubbers like HTPB. From all my experience with hybrids which is nearing 35 years, the bulk of the scaling issues have stemmed from the various attempts to use LOX and the massive amount of heat required to convert the LOX into a gaseous form to mix & combust with the fuel. Can normally only solve that issue by introduction of heat to the oxidiser injection zone, either from devices like pre-burners or injection of pyrophoric agents (ie TEAL). We aren't burdened by this as Nitrous Oxide has a significant heat of formation that contributes to its exothermic decomposition, plus its tenancy to rapidly expand (flash into vapour) makes atomisation & mixing easier as well.

We are proceeding along the development path of building a suborbital rocket named "Dorado" that is aimed at providing low cost access to micro-gravity, space physics or in-space hardware testing. The H300 motor (designation H= Hybrid & 300 = Diameter in mm) will be produced in 20kN thrust version for a sustainer & a 54kN version for a booster. A long burn duration version (>60sec) of this motor with a vacuum nozzle will form the 3rd stage of the Volans launch vehicle. Dorado is completely free of any pyrotechnic devices and has non-hazardous propulsion, so can be operated globally without the same restrictions that plague sounding rockets based on SRMs (class 1.3 explosive hazmat shipping etc).

Volans vehicle first 2 stages are based on the H700 motor, which will be undergoing development firings in the later half of 2022.

As for clearing up a few other things discussed in the thread..

HRF-1 - Hybrid Rocket Fuel -1 the Al designates "Aluminized" (HRF-1 has been tested also without AL)
Nano AL - Its not needed, the chemistry of the fuel is such that 60 micron AL has been shown to combust efficiently
It is Wax - Definitely not made from any parrifinic oil related products, but unfortunately cant divulge what it is made from.
Chilled NOX - We have gone this way for two main reasons, one to improve density (-60 give us 1120kg/m3) & secondly to reduce the NOX vapour pressure & thus oxidiser tank structural / mass requirements. We have been developing a new oxidiser delivery system we dub the eRAVEN, which is essentially an integrated rotational pump/ injector assembly that can deliver the cNOX at between 70 to 100bar.

The use of the cNOX at -60c also doesn't require any innovation in composite materials, allowing us to draw on legacy automated production methods to make lower cost tank & vehicle structures.

The combination of HRF-1AL/ cNOX is able to deliver Isp of over 268 sec at sea level & around 310 sec vacuum, with packaging densities far exceeding KERO/LOX due to the high density of the fuel, and low o/f range (2 to 1).

Anyway hope this provides more info, also we have recently updated the website & you will find the latest representations of the planned launchers & our development pathway are given.

The 19th of June was actually the 32 anniversary of the passing of George Koopman the founder of the American Rocket Company (AMROC), and we announced that our first Volans vehicle will be named the "Koopman Express" in his honor. I was very fortunate to have met and collaborated with George & he was the major inspiration toward my focus on hybrid rockets as the key to routine, and safe space access. I have attached the memorial and the mission patch announcements.

www.equatorialspace.com

[Jamie Anderson]

Perhaps cost is a factor also??  LOX is cheap, HTP is reasonable, but NOX is in a ball-park of it's own!

Cost per kg of a given propellant is a minor component of overall launch system cost.

Although LOX is much cheaper per kg than say HTP, LOX as a cryogenic fluid considerably increases all fluid system, structures & propulsion complexity & limits material options and thus manufacturing methodologies that can be applied to vehicles. As an example only two options for oxidiser tanks for cryogenic is either welded metal structures or specialty composites, meanwhile HTP could be stored in a low cost plastic lined composite tank. The metal LOX tank would require a lot of skilled labor input & specialist welding, treatment & analysis equipment, the composite LOX tank requires innovations in composite materials and processing techniques. But the HTP tank could be manufactured using common industrial practices like polymer rotational molding & filament winding of low cost carbon fibers (or even potentially glass fibers), creating far lower cost vehicle structures, enable greater degree of automation thus lowering skilled labor overheads also and allow for true volume mass production of vehicle structures.

This is why small launchers that choose legacy propulsion schemes based on KERLOX are not delivering big breakthroughs in launch cost as there is limited room for reduction of vehicle structures/ fluid system & propulsion cost. Relativity will likely shake this cart a bit, but their 3D printing process is very slow & probably wont be able to be accelerated much. This will lead to the requirement for lots of machines operating simultaneously to improve production rate which will be very energy intensive. It will be interesting to see what their electricity bills end up looking like & understanding how much electricity is consumed producing a vehicle to see how economical their engineering process is. 

Ive always been an advocate of non-cryogenic propulsion for small launchers, I think cryogenics are better for larger launchers where high manufacturing cost burdens can be absorbed due to large payload. Especially if you go for reuse like Space X.

[PM3]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

... and to 2023:

Edinburgh, 23 September 2021. – Innova Space, the Argentinian satellite development and operations company will use Equatorial Space Systems as the launch service provider for its pico satellite constellation, Equatorial Space announced.

The constellation will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services globally.

The agreement includes up to two launches per year to fully deploy Innova’s satellite network. Equatorial Space is “on track to begin revenue services” with their Volans launcher by 2023, CEO Simon Gwozdz said.

https://spacewatch.global/2021/09/equatorial-space-and-innova-space-join-forces/

Looks like this is one of those ever "we will launch in two years" companies.

[SimonGw]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

... and to 2023:

Edinburgh, 23 September 2021. – Innova Space, the Argentinian satellite development and operations company will use Equatorial Space Systems as the launch service provider for its pico satellite constellation, Equatorial Space announced.

The constellation will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services globally.

The agreement includes up to two launches per year to fully deploy Innova’s satellite network. Equatorial Space is “on track to begin revenue services” with their Volans launcher by 2023, CEO Simon Gwozdz said.

https://spacewatch.global/2021/09/equatorial-space-and-innova-space-join-forces/

Looks like this is one of those ever "we will launch in two years" companies.

You want someone to complain about? Go after any established player who's screwing over investors in developed ecosystems where money's easy and test site opportunities abound.

Or well, you can always start your own propulsion business with a grand total of USD 3.5k in initial capital (most of what I had to my name back then), keep it running throughout some of the toughest covid restrictions on Earth and still manage to do a first launch in the region.

All with less than half a million bucks in total funding till then (which is nothing in this industry) and while being practically homeless. We will see how well can you stick to self-imposed, voluntary deadlines.

We are busting our asses off day and night to build a launcher company in a region that has zero real commercial rocket propulsion activity. We fight against all obstacles imaginable and you should be more than aware of the realities in Southeast Asia's space tech, since you're so well opinionated.

[PM3]

All with less than half a million bucks in total funding till then (which is nothing in this industry) and while being practically homeless. We will see how well can you stick to self-imposed, voluntary deadlines.

This confirms that it will not launch in 2023. Completing the development of an orbital rocket needs more than 100 times of that money.

[Todd Martin]

Timeframes in spaceflight are always dependent on a variety of factors and often take longer than fans would like.  New booster development is not for the faint of heart as there is risk.  What I see here that is noteworthy and exciting are:  1) opening spaceflight service in a new part of the world, 2) developing a higher performance, more cost effective and safer hybrid motor design, 3) the work being done by a knowledgeable propulsion engineer who knows what he is talking about. 

As a hobby here in the U.S., I like to launch "high power" rockets (using Aerotech motors).  I wonder if any of this technology could be downsized for the hobby market?  If so, this could be a way to raise funds.

[SimonGw]

Timeframes in spaceflight are always dependent on a variety of factors and often take longer than fans would like.  New booster development is not for the faint of heart as there is risk.  What I see here that is noteworthy and exciting are:  1) opening spaceflight service in a new part of the world, 2) developing a higher performance, more cost effective and safer hybrid motor design, 3) the work being done by a knowledgeable propulsion engineer who knows what he is talking about. 

As a hobby here in the U.S., I like to launch "high power" rockets (using Aerotech motors).  I wonder if any of this technology could be downsized for the hobby market?  If so, this could be a way to raise funds.

Thank you Sir...

It is indeed a rather challenging field in brutal times, but I was lucky to get Jamie and the other team members (including three new senior engineers) onboard along that time - that's how we can punch above our own weight. I can also share that at long last we have some real funding in the pipeline.

Speaking of high-powered rocketry, we do in fact manufacture a kit called SPARK (Student Payload Academic Rocket Kit) that uses paraffin-based fuel (not the HRF-1 solid fuel that's meant for actual launch products) that we market to academic groups. It can be practical for Cansat launches for up to 4 kilometers, and we have sold it to clients in India and Singapore so far.

We haven't quite gotten it up to manufacturing at scale so it is rather pricey compared to most high power products, but it is also devoid of pyrotechnic devices (including for the chute deployment) which makes it the only legal opportunity for student groups in much of the world to actually get their hands on and launch some Cansats without going through military channels.

Cheers.

[Danderman]

It’s tough to meet deadlines in this business. I would suggest using events based, rather time based scheduling.

First orbital launch: 18 months from first suborbital flight to 100 km.

First suborbital flight to 100 km: 12 month after first full duration burn for the first stage.

Something like that. If a company were to lay out their schedule like that, it would be very informative.

[Craftyatom]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

... and to 2023:

Edinburgh, 23 September 2021. – Innova Space, the Argentinian satellite development and operations company will use Equatorial Space Systems as the launch service provider for its pico satellite constellation, Equatorial Space announced.

The constellation will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services globally.

The agreement includes up to two launches per year to fully deploy Innova’s satellite network. Equatorial Space is “on track to begin revenue services” with their Volans launcher by 2023, CEO Simon Gwozdz said.

https://spacewatch.global/2021/09/equatorial-space-and-innova-space-join-forces/

Looks like this is one of those ever "we will launch in two years" companies.

You want someone to b*tch about? Go after spinlaunch or anyone else who's screwing over investors in developed ecosystems where money's easy and test site opportunities abound.

Or well, you can always start your own propulsion business with a grand total of USD 3.5k in initial capital (most of what I had to my name back then), keep it running throughout some of the toughest covid restrictions on Earth and still manage to do a first launch in the region.

All with less than half a million bucks in total funding till then (which is nothing in this industry) and while being practically homeless. We will see how well can you stick to self-imposed, voluntary deadlines.

We are busting our asses off day and night to build a launcher company in a region that has zero real commercial rocket propulsion activity. We fight against all obstacles imaginable and you should be more than aware of the realities in Southeast Asia's space tech, since you're so well opinionated.

This thread is an attempt to collect and discuss all information relevant to Equatorial Space Industries.  As founder of said enterprise, your presence is an excellent way to add more of that information.  And indeed, this post has a lot of information.  Unfortunately, it is not the type of information that inspires confidence - in multiple ways.

I will attempt to refrain from exacerbating the issue with any combative terminology, but please be aware that discussion of a critic (as well as their merit relative to you) is in general irrelevant to their criticism.  Additionally, excuses - even good ones - are a form of criticism acceptance, not refutation.  The industry has had to accept that COVID is delaying everything.  Unforeseeable delays and overruns happen, but they mean very little when discussing future prospects, except perhaps as a warning to temper expectations.

I look forward to hearing more updates, even if they are delayed, by external or internal factors.

This confirms that it will not launch in 2023. Completing the development of an orbital rocket needs more than 100 times of that money.

I believe there is still debate over the absolute minimum viable orbital rocket development, so I wouldn't say with certainty that an orbital rocket couldn't be developed for less than 100x that.  And investment is often non-linear, so it may take less time than expected to arrive at that amount.  That said, I would certainly agree that an orbital launch attempt in 2023 seems rather unlikely.

[Sushifoxx]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?
Also what is the status of the Mid-Altitude Demonstrator? ESS’s website says it was supposed to launch in Q2 this year but obviously that time has come and went.

[CameronD]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?

Other than being surrounded by some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (with both pirates and unruly local fishing craft weaving unpredictably in and out of your exclusion zones) and a somewhat limited range of inclinations, it seems perfectly reasonable to me.  It'll be interesting to see if anyone considers it.

[Sushifoxx]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?

Other than being surrounded by some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (with both pirates and unruly local fishing craft weaving unpredictably in and out of your exclusion zones) and a somewhat limited range of inclinations, it seems perfectly reasonable to me.  It'll be interesting to see if anyone considers it.

I guess you are right. I mean any place near Singapore is extremely busy. But considering all this, this is probably the only place that can be considered for a launch site. If the rocket is built in Singapore, you would only need to ship it a short distance there. It is also a safe distance from any civilisation.

[Sushifoxx]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?

Other than being surrounded by some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (with both pirates and unruly local fishing craft weaving unpredictably in and out of your exclusion zones) and a somewhat limited range of inclinations, it seems perfectly reasonable to me.  It'll be interesting to see if anyone considers it.

I guess you are right. I mean any place near Singapore is extremely busy. But considering all this, this is probably the only place that can be considered for a launch site. If the rocket is built in Singapore, you would only need to ship it a short distance there. It is also a safe distance from any civilisation.

After doing some research, launching from Mapur Island may be the only way to get to orbit while having a launch site close enough to Singapore. The whole rocket could maybe be shipped there but I don’t know… Very little space to launch though, maybe a southern launch is possible too, but unlikely. The Riau Islands to the northeast is also a challenge that may be faced launching from Mapur

[Sushifoxx]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?

Other than being surrounded by some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (with both pirates and unruly local fishing craft weaving unpredictably in and out of your exclusion zones) and a somewhat limited range of inclinations, it seems perfectly reasonable to me.  It'll be interesting to see if anyone considers it.

I guess you are right. I mean any place near Singapore is extremely busy. But considering all this, this is probably the only place that can be considered for a launch site. If the rocket is built in Singapore, you would only need to ship it a short distance there. It is also a safe distance from any civilisation.

After doing some research, launching from Mapur Island may be the only way to get to orbit while having a launch site close enough to Singapore. Very little space to launch though, maybe a southern launch is possible too, but unlikely. The Riau Islands to the northeast is also a challenge that may be faced launching from Mapur

Another option could be the Cocos(Keeling) Island that is much further south, but allows for a much more low inclination launch, and if needed a retrograde launch too. Cocos Island also belongs to Australia which is more welcoming to private space agencies than Indonesia. Cocos Island also has an airport meaning we can fly in rocket parts. While writing this I realized that if Cocos Island is turned into a space port, it could be the asian/australian version of Omelek Island that SpaceX used lol

[Sushifoxx]

Actually... might as well use Omelek Island because there is already existing infrastructure there. But then we need to fly AND ship the rocket which may cost more than just choosing one or the other.

[CameronD]

Actually... might as well use Omelek Island because there is already existing infrastructure there. But then we need to fly AND ship the rocket which may cost more than just choosing one or the other.

Or use Southern Launch's facility in South Australia - which is closer.

[SimonGw]

I was wondering is it possible to launch from Mapur Island just off the coast of Bintan? Launching from there could be possible because there is about 400km downrange before hitting the coast of Malaysia? If not they can launch slightly southwards at about 30° inclination?
Also what is the status of the Mid-Altitude Demonstrator? ESS’s website says it was supposed to launch in Q2 this year but obviously that time has come and went.

Hi Sushifoxx,

In theory yes, and the ranges that could be are not necessarily in busier areas than Vandenberg re: sea and air traffic.

That said from my past 5 years of experience it's unlikely, and i mean very, very unlikely that either ourselves or any other entity would be launching in the region anytime soon. There's a few principal reasons behind that.

Indonesia does not have a complete launch regulatory framework for commercial entities in place and is, afaik, not interested in any other site than Biak which has its own share of delays. Considering the dual-use nature of this tech, it is also heavily politicized - let's just say even a small launch we did in Malaysia two years ago got some people in influential positions a little worried.

All our upcoming TRL launches will be done from Australia and the US, and commercial ones possibly from a few more sites . Sadly in the last few years there has been not much activity in the sector in the region so it remains to be seen if we'll be doing launch ops anywhere nearer to Singapore than down under.

Regarding the delays behind MAD, indeed - we're in full-time fundraising mode and let's just say the VC/PE markets are a little tight, especially with launch companies. We still hope for it to happen by the end of the year.

[SimonGw]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

... and to 2023:

Edinburgh, 23 September 2021. – Innova Space, the Argentinian satellite development and operations company will use Equatorial Space Systems as the launch service provider for its pico satellite constellation, Equatorial Space announced.

The constellation will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services globally.

The agreement includes up to two launches per year to fully deploy Innova’s satellite network. Equatorial Space is “on track to begin revenue services” with their Volans launcher by 2023, CEO Simon Gwozdz said.

https://spacewatch.global/2021/09/equatorial-space-and-innova-space-join-forces/

Looks like this is one of those ever "we will launch in two years" companies.

You want someone to b*tch about? Go after spinlaunch or anyone else who's screwing over investors in developed ecosystems where money's easy and test site opportunities abound.

Or well, you can always start your own propulsion business with a grand total of USD 3.5k in initial capital (most of what I had to my name back then), keep it running throughout some of the toughest covid restrictions on Earth and still manage to do a first launch in the region.

All with less than half a million bucks in total funding till then (which is nothing in this industry) and while being practically homeless. We will see how well can you stick to self-imposed, voluntary deadlines.

We are busting our asses off day and night to build a launcher company in a region that has zero real commercial rocket propulsion activity. We fight against all obstacles imaginable and you should be more than aware of the realities in Southeast Asia's space tech, since you're so well opinionated.

This thread is an attempt to collect and discuss all information relevant to Equatorial Space Industries.  As founder of said enterprise, your presence is an excellent way to add more of that information.  And indeed, this post has a lot of information.  Unfortunately, it is not the type of information that inspires confidence - in multiple ways.

I will attempt to refrain from exacerbating the issue with any combative terminology, but please be aware that discussion of a critic (as well as their merit relative to you) is in general irrelevant to their criticism.  Additionally, excuses - even good ones - are a form of criticism acceptance, not refutation.  The industry has had to accept that COVID is delaying everything.  Unforeseeable delays and overruns happen, but they mean very little when discussing future prospects, except perhaps as a warning to temper expectations.

I look forward to hearing more updates, even if they are delayed, by external or internal factors.

This confirms that it will not launch in 2023. Completing the development of an orbital rocket needs more than 100 times of that money.

I believe there is still debate over the absolute minimum viable orbital rocket development, so I wouldn't say with certainty that an orbital rocket couldn't be developed for less than 100x that.  And investment is often non-linear, so it may take less time than expected to arrive at that amount.  That said, I would certainly agree that an orbital launch attempt in 2023 seems rather unlikely.

Hi Craftyatom,

Regarding the timing, 2023 is gone by now. Our current goal is to attempt first orbital launch within 36 months from the next funding round.

[Sushifoxx]

New Volans variant! Now reusable! I wonder did they get any ideas from the Roton rocket?

[Tywin]

https://twitter.com/EquatorialSpace/status/1479377039039758339

[catdlr]

DORADO Sneak Preview

Feb 13, 2023
Named after the swordfish constellation, DORADO is an upcoming family of sounding rockets under development by Equatorial Space for science, technology demonstration and academic missions.

Designed to deliver payload of 25kg to apogees of 105km and 250km for the single-stage and two-stage version respectively, DORADO features a recoverable payload module and is poised to become the first commercial sounding rocket manufactured in Southeast Asia.

Slated for first development flight in mid 2024, DORADO will be propelled by our H300 hybrid motor using chilled Nitrous Oxide (cNOX) as well as our patent-pending HRF-1AL solid fuel which delivers superior regression rates, mechanical properties and density to other solutions available in the market.

[catdlr]

HRF1-AL SUB SCALE QUALIFICATION TEST

Feb 24, 2023
NOX/HRF-1AL tested with a swirl injector.

[SimonGw]

And their plan is to star the fly before end 2019 

Slipped to 2021: https://equatorialspace.com/?page_id=3446

... and to 2023:

Edinburgh, 23 September 2021. – Innova Space, the Argentinian satellite development and operations company will use Equatorial Space Systems as the launch service provider for its pico satellite constellation, Equatorial Space announced.

The constellation will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services globally.

The agreement includes up to two launches per year to fully deploy Innova’s satellite network. Equatorial Space is “on track to begin revenue services” with their Volans launcher by 2023, CEO Simon Gwozdz said.

https://spacewatch.global/2021/09/equatorial-space-and-innova-space-join-forces/

Looks like this is one of those ever "we will launch in two years" companies.

Hi PM3, 

If you're still active on this forum, I'd like to offer an apology for my outburst last year - the times were exceptionally tough, but that does not justify one bit accosting a fellow space professional/enthusiast who raised very valid concerns about us.

I should've been better, I'm sorry about that. If you ever happen to pass by Singapore, I'd would be glad to get you a beer.

[catdlr]

[catdlr]