AbstractEUROCKOT Launch Services GmbH was founded by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany and Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center of Russia to offer worldwide cost-effective launch services on the flight proven and reliable Rockot launch system. Rockot can launch satellites weighting up to into low earth orbits (LEO) from around 50° up to high inclinations (e.g. SSO). The paper describes the design, the capabilities and the user interfaces of the Rockot launch vehicle which is based on the former Russian SS-19 strategic missile. The third stage “Breeze” has been newly developed and has multiple ignition capability. The extremely high flexibility of both the payload accommodation and the launch systems allows fast service, i.e. a mission integration period of 18 months from contract signature and a nominal launch campaign which lasts 19 working days. The launch site in Plesetsk has been modernised and adapted to fulfil all requirements of Western customers. The modifications will be verified by a launch of two satellite simulators in the second quarter of 2000. The first commercial launch (two IRIDIUM satellites) is foreseen for the third quarter of 2000. EUROCKOT is also in a position to offer high altitude orbits. In particular for payloads with a mass of up to approximately even earth escape/planetary mission with reliable competitive and flight qualified systems can be offered by adding a solid boost stage to the Rockot launcher in co-operation with the major provider of these stages. In this paper the performance envelope, interfaces and potential design solutions will be discussed.
The Rockot launch system—the commercial solution for low-cost planetary missions
Acta Astronautica ; 52 , 2-6 ; 299-307
2002-01-01
9 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
The Rockot launch system-the commercial solution for low-cost planetary missions
Online Contents | 2003
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British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
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