Innovative Small Launcher

Abstract

The market for small satellites is expected to increase substantially in the coming years, but there is little capacity to launch them affordably. No operational dedicated launcher for small satellites exists today. Small satellites, launched as secondary payloads, are entirely dependent on the constraints set by the primary payload, such as launch date and target orbit. Launch costs of less than €50,000 per kg of payload are required in order to directly compete with piggy-back ride shares. With a dedicated launcher a higher cost per kg can be accepted for payloads which need to be delivered timely and accurately to a desired orbit. --- The SMILE project aims at a combined research approach into a new innovative European launcher for an emerging market of small satellites up to 50 kg using a multidisciplinary design and optimisation approach strengthened by the demonstration of critical technologies for cost-effective solutions and complemented with the design of a European-based launch capability from Andøya (Norway). Critical launcher technologies in various expertise areas will be developed in SMILE, but this paper focusses on the rocket engine developments and their impact on cost reduction and design since the engines are the most critical and expensive parts of a launcher. For the rocket engines, both hybrid engines and reusable liquid engines are assessed.