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    • PERSEUS - A Nanosat Launch System Project Focusing on Innovation and Education

    Paper number

    IAC-07-E1.I.01

    Author

    Mrs. Christelle Bernard-Lepine, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

    Coauthor

    Mr. Raymond Bec, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

    Coauthor

    Mr. Kevin de Groote, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

    Coauthor

    Mr. Fabien Amouroux, France

    Year

    2007

    Abstract
    Perseus is a long-term project launched in 2005 by CNES and based on three main objectives:
-	To stimulate innovation and advance technologies applicable to launch systems
-	An educational initiative for students and a motivation for the future generations to take up careers in the space sector 
-	To realize the design project (phase 0/A) for a nanosat launch system 
These objectives should be fleshed out in order to fully understand the Perseus project concept. Starting with the first, CNES hopes to generate new solutions and to demonstrate immature technologies on the ground and in flight, eventually applying this new knowledge to larger launchers. 
The involvement of inexperienced members of higher education, without any preconceived notions on the subject, encourages the creation of new ideas as well as motivating these younger generations to acquire a hands-on, professional experience. What’s more, the project will federate the different actors of European universities (such as undergraduates, postgraduates, lecturers), as well as fostering relationships with other institutions, associations, companies and public agencies. 
The final objective, with a reference mission of 10kg on an equatorial, circular orbit at 250km, was chosen so that the launch system would be small enough to allow students to develop it and difficult enough to present a real intellectual challenge to the students. The difficulties introduced by reducing the size of a typical launcher to this scale, whilst remaining economic, mean that innovation is not only a goal for Perseus but that it is key to the success of the project. 
In order to encourage the innovation and develop original ideas, the architecture of the Perseus launcher has not yet been fixed. In fact, several concepts are still being studied and it is expected that these concepts will converge to a single one by around 2010. In particular, a decision will have to be made between a ground lift-off solution and an air-launch system. 
In 2005-2006, there were about 6 projects; in 2006-2007 that number has increased to 20, which shows the interest of students for space industry and innovative processes. Next year, we hope to double this number.
    Abstract document

    IAC-07-E1.I.01.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-07-E1.I.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.