LAUNCHING SMALL SATELLITES IN RUSSIA, THE PRESENT SITUATION AND SOME FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.5.7

Author

Mr. Gerry Webb, commercial space technologies ltd, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Oleg Sokolov, Russia

Year

2008

Abstract

This paper considers the situation with the supply of small launchers from Russia and Ukraine as it exists now, how it may develop over the next 5 years and in the longer term. Many factors are at play which will influence the outcome of this development. The most important which are assessed in the paper are: Russian government plans; Russian economic factors; outside competitions from launchers in the rest of the world; the life expectancy of the ‘mainstay’ missiles on which the Dnepr, Rockot and Strela are based and the price of its extension; new entries into the market such as Angara and Air Launch. The situation is, as always, complex and while CST’s perspective is based on long terms and broad experience only likely scenarios can be presented. Nevertheless it is hoped that the paper will be of some help to small satellite builders.

For 15 years, CST has successfully brokered and managed launch solutions for small satellites using vehicles developed in the former Soviet Union (FSU). 15 satellites have been launched so far and CST is working on solutions for at least this number again. 5 different vehicles have been employed for dedicated, ride share and piggy-back launch methods.

CST has pioneered many new options, being the first to arrange a launch on Dnepr and to sun-synchronous orbits (SSOs) for Cosmos and Dnepr. New opportunities and arrangements are being continually assessed, particularly new launcher developments, for their likely impact on the market. Influences from outside FSU countries, such as the introduction of the Space-X ‘Falcon’ launcher, are also taken into account.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.5.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.5.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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