An Affordable Small Satellite Launcher Concept in Japan

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.5.6

Author

Mr. Seiji Matsuda, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Hiroshi Kanai, Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takayoshi Fuji, Institute of Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Kazuhiro Yagi, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Tadashi Adachi, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Jun Yokote, IHI Aerospace Co, Ltd., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Mitsuteru Kaneoka, CSP Japan, Inc., Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

Small satellites increasingly become popular in Japan in late years. Technology demonstration of standardized bus that takes an advantage of commercial components, whale observation satellite(WEOS) by Chiba?Institute of Technology, and CANSAT and CUBESAT for educational purposes are representative examples.  Small satellite also is an ideal solution for the mitigation of the risk of high and challenging technology.  Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, with expectation of small satellites to establish new market and promote commercialization in space, officially announced that they sponsor three-year development program of the low cost micro/small satellite from FY2008.

   Launch of small satellites still heavily relies on share-ride on medium/large launch vehicles.  Launcher alternatives and launch opportunities and windows have certain limitation and depend on primary payload.  Flexible and affordable launch systems are craved in order to take full advantage of features of small satellites (e.g. affordable, short delivery period).  Tradeoff study of launch platforms of land, sea and air was carried out in terms of performance, operation, ground systems and economics.  Air launch was evaluated as most ideal launch system for small satellites because of its launch capability, minimum ground support, higher flexibility and mobility advantage, and affordable cost.  Ideal launch vehicle, mother ship, airport/spaceport, and operation and control facility were carefully examined. Necessary technologies and laws and regulations were also identified.
  
   This paper summarizes results of nano, micro, and mini satellite launchers study. The team of USEF, IHI Aerospace and CSP Japan carried out the study under the contract awarded by The Mechanical Social Systems Foundation

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.5.6.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.5.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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