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The Role of Small Satellites in NASA and NOAA Earth Observation Programs (2000) / Chapter Skim
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5 Small Launch Vehicles
Pages 37-40

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From page 37...
... Missions that call for multiple satellites in common orbit planes can accrue cost benefits with multisatellite launches on higher performing launch vehicles. Satellites that must carry on-board propulsion for orbit maintenance or attitude control can sometimes effectively exploit lower performance, lower cost launch vehicles to place them into low initial orbits and then use their own propulsion systems for final orbit insertion.
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From page 38...
... It is this superior cost efficiency of the Delta II, along with its excellent reliability, which makes launching multiple satellites on a single Delta II an attractive alternative to multiple smaller launch vehicles when possible. In fact, early experiences (failures)
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From page 39...
... U.S. LAUNCH VEHICLES Delta II 7920/253,2755047/49 Delta II 73201,750350/0 Pegasus XL2251418a/23b Taurus XL/Orion 38945240/0 Taurus/Orion 38860223/3 Athena 32,200300/0 Athena 2700221/1 Athena 120016l/2 Conestoga 1229 220 12 0/0 Conestoga 1620 540 18 0/1 FOREIGN LAUNCH VEHICLES CZ-2D (China)
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From page 40...
... This is currently not the case: There is a significant gap in capability between the Pegasus/Athena/Taurus launch vehicles and the Delta II. Plans to fill this gap by numerous suppliers are encouraging, as are the efforts by launch vehicle suppliers to provide a range of fairing sizes to accommodate a larger percentage of potential missions.
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  • earth observation
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  • fairing size
  • multiple satellites

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  • recently won
  • involves mission
  • orbit insertion
  • vehicle candidacy

  • stowed payload
  • vehicle achieves
  • versus launch
  • vehicle merits
  • single launch

  • aerospace industry
  • significant gap
  • mcdonnell douglas
  • minimal cost
  • suitable primarily

  • vehicles considered
  • absolute cost
  • performance history
  • initial orbits
  • eagle family


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