• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.50 no.12
• /
• pp.877-888
• /
• 2022

Recently, as the CAPSTONE, a precursor mission for Lunar Gateway, was launched on a small launch vehicle for the purpose of demonstrating communications and navigation technology in the NRHO, large attention was brought to this event that enabled high-impact deep space mission using dedicated small launch vehicle and small spacecraft. In this study, we introduced the concept of a dual launch operation and examined the capability of the new concept in the exploration of the Moon, Mars and asteroid. It turned out a single launch is sufficient for the lunar low orbit mission up to around 247 kg, and the dual launch option can transport 215 kg and 183 kg to nearby destinations as such as Mars and astroid Apophis respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.277-285
• /
• 2022

There has been significant increase in demand of launch opportunities from the small satellite sector that represents the new space era. Providing smallsat-dedicated launch service at an affordable price is a new business model many startup companies have pursued, which requires innovative solutions for cost reduction in combination of low cost components, volume production and optimized manufacturing. We set out a preceding study at KARI to develop a suite of critical and cost-cutting technologies in preparation for a two-staged small launch vehicle development, based on the liquid rocket engine technologies developed from the Nuri program in accordance with the 3^rd master plan for national space development. In this work, we introduce the concept of a two-staged small launch vehicle that aims to be innovative and cost competitive for small satellites, and describe mission design results including staging as well as overall vehicle configuration of the launch vehicle.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.203-214
• /
• 2022

As the global demand for small satellites weighing less than 500 kg increases, the development and operation of dedicated small launch vehicles increase significantly. The responsiveness of a launch vehicle that puts a small satellite into a target orbit at the desired time is attracting attention. As a result, interest in the air launch is increasing in the rapid establishment of a constellation. As the demand for small satellites in south Korea increases, this study performed analyses on the applicability of an air launch vehicle using a large civil aircraft considering the geographical environment. In terms of responsiveness, mission response times were compared and analyzed for air launch vehicles and ground small and large vehicles. In addition, an air vehicle and a small ground vehicle were quantitatively compared and analyzed for the orbital insertion performance. As a result of the analysis, the air launch vehicle has limited responsiveness in Korea regarding rapid satellite constellation establishment. However, it can be an effective alternative for low inclination angle orbit insertion with the benefit of a fast turnaround time. Furthermore, the performance of the orbital injection is close to that of the ground small launch vehicle, and the high efficiency in terms of the required propellant mass is possible, so air launch can be an effective launch means for putting small satellites into orbit in Korea.