LauncherOne: Virgin Galactic's Dedicated Launch Vehicle for Small Satellites

Paper number

IAC-15,B4,5,2,x31181

Author

Mr. William Pomerantz, Virgin Galactic L.L.C, United States

Coauthor

Mr. A. C. Charania, Virgin Galactic L.L.C, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Barry Matsumori, Virgin Galactic L.L.C, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Sirisha Bandla, Virgin Galactic L.L.C, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Steve Isakowitz, Virgin Galactic L.L.C, United States

Year

2015

Abstract

Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, is developing a space transportation service to provide an affordable, dedicated ride to orbit for smaller payloads. No longer will small satellite users be forced to make a choice between the limitations of flight as a secondary payload or paying dramatically more for a dedicated launch vehicle, or dealing with the added complexity associated with export control requirements and international travel to distant launch sites.

Virgin Galactic's satellite launch vehicle, LauncherOne, is a two stage, air-launched liquid propulsion (LOX/RP) rocket. This system is designed to conduct operations from a variety of locations, allowing customers to select various launch azimuths and increasing available orbital launch windows. 

This presentation will summarize technical progress made on Virgin Galactic's system in the past year.

Abstract document

IAC-15,B4,5,2,x31181.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,B4,5,2,x31181.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.