Форум Новости Космонавтики

ЦитироватьRocket Lab raised capital from Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures and K1W1 to complete the Electron launch system and begin commercial operations as early as 2016

 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/53360)

On March 2, 2015, Rocket Lab announced completion of Series B financing round, led by Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP) with full participation from existing investors Khosla Ventures and K1W1 investment funds. In addition, Lockheed Martin committed to make a strategic investment in Rocket Lab to support the exploration of future aerospace technologies. The company will use the funding to complete the Electron launch system and plans to begin operations as a commercial launch provider as early as 2016.

Electron small-class launch vehicle, capable of sending up to 110 kg of payload into a sun-synchronous orbit for near $5 million, was officially unveiled during a dedicated VIP-event in July 2014. First of two rocket stages will be powered by 9 regeneratively cooled LOx/Kerosene Rutherford engines, producing each 13.3 kN of thrust at lift-off. The engine is considered as one the most advanced in the world, and comprises a solid technological strength for the company.

History of the company goes back to 2007, when Peter Beck established Rocket Lab as a center for advanced space programs in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2009 it successfully launched Ātea-1 (Māori for 'space') suborbital sounding rocket – 6 m long and 60 kg vehicle designed to carry a 2 kg payload to an altitude of 120 km. Since then this startup developed and launched more than 80 rockets and worked with customers including Lockheed Martin, DARPA and Aerojet Rocketdyne.

 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/53361)

In December 2010 Rocket Lab was awarded a US contract from the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS) to study low-cost space launcher to place small satellites into orbit. As it is said in the company's statement, "Rocket Lab was founded on the belief that small payloads require dedicated small launch vehicles and the flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems".

Based on this idea of SmallSats launcher, Rocket Lab was awarded New Zealand's government $25 million grant, and raised undisclosed amount of money from Khosla Ventures and K1W1 venture capital companies in Series A investment round. By now the company says it received commitments from the customers for at least 30 first launches, which is, simply multiplying, amounted to near $150 million.

Currently Rocket Lab is in process of development and tests of Electron's components, searching for a launch site (among other, Cape Canaveral is under evaluation) and, as a sequence, staff expanding. As for today, the company has near 50 employees, most of which based in Auckland office, and actively recruiting more engineers and managers (25 open positions at the website).

Rocket Lab has audacious plans to conduct 100 launches per year and it seems like investors believe Peter Beck and his business model. According to newly released research of Euroconsult titled Prospects for the Small Satellite Market, a total of 510 SmallSats are to be launched in the next five years. The market value of these future SmallSats is estimated at $7.4 billion (at 2014 prices) to develop and launch all of them.

SpaceDigest has even more promising forecast for SmallSat market. According to our 2014 Year in Spaceflight Review, a total number of CubeSats (not including satellites of 10-100 kg class), launched over the past three years, has risen from 23 in 2012 to 131 in 2014. As for 2015 and on, we expect launches of up to 200 CubeSats per year.

 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/53362)

Interesting to note that Peter Beck has no ambitions of larger launch vehicle, or human-rated spaceflights, he believes only in SmallSat market opportunities. What may prevent him from realization of plans? Two factors seem to be important to be considered. The first one is enormous competition from developers of traditional launch vehicles (Firefly Space Systems, Mishaal Aerospace, etc.), air-launched systems (Swiss Space Systems, Generetion Orbit, Virgin Galactic, XCOR, etc.), balloon-based systems (Zero2Infinity).

Controversial as it may sound, the other factor is launch cost. Dividing $5 million launch price into 110 kg of payload, we get the ratio of $45,500 per kilogram. For example, Spaceflight Inc. charges $50k-$60k per kg for CubeSats and $35k-$40k per kg for small satellites to be launched as a secondary payload. What would you choose if you have a 100 kg satellite?

Anyway, raising at least $100 million in total (by our estimations) from venture funds, governmental and private companies, Rocket Lab is becoming a space market player with serious ambitions that are supported not only by great idea and strong belief in SmallSats, but also by achieved technological level, qualified personnel and necessary capital. And as soon as it is so, Peter Beck and his team seem to be on the right track.

ЦитироватьАнтон пишет:
Что-то этих ракет для нано спутников в последнее время много развелось

ЦитироватьNew Zealand firm Rocket Lab plans to launch its battery powered rockets fr om Birdlings Flat in Canterbury.

The company has lodged resource consent applications to build a launch pad - about half the size of a tennis court - and hopes to launch a test vehicle late this year.

The company's chief executive, Peter Beck said the area met all the firm's requirements; a sparse population, a launch path over the ocean and proximity to a city wh ere the 18m tall Electron Rockets can be built.

 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/55554)

And there have been rockets launched before from Birdlings Flat about 44km southeast of Christchurch.

In 1963 an imported rocket was launched to a height of about 75km to conduct upper atmospheric research in a joint venture between Canterbury University's physics department and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

That spent about 2 1/2 minutes airborne and landed in the sea and the university continues to monitor space from the area.

Beck said his firm was going through the process of complying with all environmental requirements and consulting affected parties before building what he said was a low impact operation.

''We're not moving in with bulldozers and building Cape Canaveral out there,'' he said.

Earlier this year it announced it would do away with expensive and complex gas generators and instead use small high-performance electric motors and lithium polymer batteries to drive its turbo pumps. The engine within the carbon fibre launch vehicle will also incorporate parts made by 3D printers to cut costs and speed up the manufacturing process.

The Electron would launch satellites for about $7.3 million, less than a tenth of the cost of other companies.

Beck said the firm was looking for suitable space in Christchurch to assemble the launch vehicles and this would provide jobs in the city. It had conducted a lengthy search throughout country looking for a suitable launch site.

(https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/55555)

ЦитироватьТангаж пишет:
Rocket Lab picks launch pad site 

 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11473933 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11473933)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab plans for New Zealand launch base       
Posted on July 9, 2015 by Stephen Clark (http://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154723.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154723.png)
Artist's concept of Rocket Lab's Electron launcher. Credit: Rocket Lab
 
The chief executive of Rocket Lab, a venture capital-backed space firm set up to provide dedicated launch services for microsatellites, says the company is on track to complete construction of a new orbital launch site on New Zealand's South Island by the end of 2015.
The commercial launch base will be on Kaitorete Spit, an east-facing oceanfront site about 20 miles south of Christchurch, giving Rocket Lab's Electron booster access to orbits with inclinations ranging fr om 45 degrees to sun-synchronous, according to Peter Beck, the company's CEO.
Rocket Lab plans to build a launch pad, rocket integration building, fuel tanks and support facilities at the uninhabited site.
The remoteness of Kaitorete Spit — it is near few busy shipping and air traffic corridors — and the wide access to a variety of orbits were the location's biggest selling points, Beck said.
Based in Los Angeles but with production and launch facilities in New Zealand, Rocket Lab is one of several companies targeting low-cost delivery of small satellites into orbit, giving modest operators a dedicated ride into space instead of putting their spacecraft on bigger rockets as secondary passengers, wh ere they are often left to the whims of large companies and government customers.
Beck said the company plans a series of three test launches of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket beginning as soon as late 2015 and stretching into next year. Rocket Lab already has more than 30 customers signed up for Electron launches, Beck told Spaceflight Now in a July 1 interview, but he declined to name them.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154728.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154728.jpg)
Artist's concept of Rocket Lab's Electron launch site at Kiatorete Spit, New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab
 
Fueled by a mixture of liquid oxygen and kerosene, the two-stage Electron can put a 100 kilogram (220-pound) satellite into orbit 500 kilometers (310 miles) above Earth, according to Rocket Lab's website.
Beck said the rocket is about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter and stands 20 meters (66 feet) tall. The booster is built around the Rutherford engine, which is driven by electric motors instead of gas generators.
With its major components fabricated in a 3D printer, the Rutherford engine will power both stages of the Electron. Nine Rutherford powerplants will be on the first stage, producing more than 140,000 pounds of thrust. One 5,000-pound thrust Rutherford engine will be on the second stage.
Hardware for the first Electron test flight is in production and undergoing testing, according to Beck.
Rocket Lab hopes to launch the rocket at $4.9 million per flight, with the ability to fly it once per week. According to Beck, the company elected to design an expendable rocket after deciding a reusable booster would be too expensive to refurbish.
The Electron rocket is geared for the commercial market, but Beck said Rocket Lab planned to respond to a NASA request for proposals released in June soliciting bids to launch up to 60 kilograms — 132 pounds — of CubeSats in one or two launches by April 15, 2018.
Rocket Lab is looking at other launch sites in the United States to meet U.S. launch demand, Beck said.
Rocket Lab is backed by venture capital shops from Silicon Valley and New Zealand, including firms which led investment in Skybox Imaging, a growing Earth observation satellite company later acquired by Google.
Lockheed Martin will also make a strategic investment in Rocket Lab, the company announced in March.

ЦитироватьПетр Зайцев пишет:
арантирую, что если они реально начнут строить, то от газохода на картинке они откажутся как только станет изветно, сколько стоят землеройные работы.

ЦитироватьАлександр Ч. пишет:

ЦитироватьBob Richards ‏@Bob_Richards 18 ч.18 часов назад (https://twitter.com/Bob_Richards/status/663787442248491008)
Cool pic of the @rocketlabusa (https://twitter.com/rocketlabusa) Electron 2nd stage with #3Dprinted (https://twitter.com/hashtag/3Dprinted?src=hash) rocket engine. @MoonEx (https://twitter.com/MoonEx) @glxp (https://twitter.com/glxp)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/158870.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab plans Electron test launches this year
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — April 14, 2016
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155616.jpg)
Rocket Lab performs a test firing of the second stage of its Electron rocket as it prepares to begin test flights later this year. Credit: Rocket Lab  
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The successful qualification of the second stage of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket keeps the small launch vehicle on track to carry out a series of test flights later this year, the company announced April 13.
Rocket Lab said it had completed qualification testing of the second stage, powered by the company's Rutherford engine, clearing it for flight. The company will soon begin qualification tests of the vehicle's first stage, which uses nine Rutherford engines.
In an interview during the 32nd Space Symposium here April 13, Rocket Lab Chief Executive Peter Beck said the company remains on schedule to begin test flights of Electron from the company's launch site on New Zealand's North Island starting around the middle of this year.
"We have a minimum campaign of three test flights," he said. "We'll do the test flights and, if we have some anomalies, we'll keep rolling them out." Those test flights will carry instrumentation but no satellite payloads, he said.
The company is completing construction of its launch site, which Beck said should be ready by the end of May. Rocket Lab had announced last year it planned to develop a launch site on New Zealand's South Island, near the city of Christchurch. However, Beck said difficulty in getting environmental approvals led them to shift their plans to the new location.
The new site, located on the remote Mahia Peninsula, does allow Rocket Lab to launch to a wider range of orbits than it could from its original site. "We get from sun-synchronous orbit to 38 degrees inclination out of that site," he said. That is important, he said, since the company is hearing from potential customers who want to go to a variety of orbits.
"Traditionally the smallsat guys would want to go to sun-synchronous because there's a lot of rides there if you're ridesharing," he said. "But when you given them the opportunity to choose their orbital plane, they want to go to all sorts of planes, which is very interesting."
The new launch site has received its local environmental approvals, Beck said. Rocket Lab, with its headquarters in the United States but with most of its staff in New Zealand, is working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for a spaceport license for the site, as well as a commercial launch license for Electron. Both U.S. and New Zealand authorities are working together on issues like clearing airspace for launches, he added.
If the Electron test program is successful, Rocket Lab plans to start commercial launches in early 2017. Beck said the company is planning one launch a month through 2018, with most of those launches already sold. That includes a launch NASA awarded to Rocket Lab in October 2015 under its Venture Class Launch Services program, which Beck said is currently scheduled for July 2017.
"We really have to make that schedule, because we have a lot of customers now that we need to fly," he said. "So we can't have that test program roll out too long."
Beck also hinted that Rocket Lab has plans to expand in the U.S. The company currently has more than 100 employees, primarily in New Zealand, and is hiring about two people a week, but is running into growth issues. "There are challenges with not being able to scale fast enough in New Zealand," he said. "We need to be able to scale much faster."
"Growth in the U.S. is a big focus for us," he said, adding that the company planned announcements in the next several weeks about some related initiatives in the United States.

ЦитироватьА именно: 
Названный в честь великого британского физика новозеландского происхождения Эрнеста Резерфорда, революционный ракетный двигатель Rutherford представляет собой керосино–кислородный (специальное высокоплотное VLM–топливо) гибридный двигатель 
с регенеративным охлаждением. Тяга «Резерфорда» — 20,5 кН у земли, удельный импульс — 327 с. ....
И еще:
VLM Rocket Lab (Viscous Liquid Monopropellant — высокоплотное монотопливо), в силу тиксотропной природы, — это уникальное по своим характеристикам ракетное топливо. VLM имеет весьма высокую вязкость и плотность при статических условиях, но разжижается при приложении механического воздействия. Это позволяет реализовать все преимущества как твердого ракетного топлива (стабильность процесса горения), так и жидкого (возможность включать и выключать двигатель в процессе полета). VLM выделяется как высокоэффективное топливо из–за его определенной комбинации плотности, простоты использования и высокой безопасности и экологичности.

Высокая удельная плотность позволяет рассматривать VLM как инструмент реализации топливных баков меньшего размера и веса. Плотность VLM составляет ≈1.72 г/см3, что близко к плотности многих видов твердого ракетного топлива.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185659.jpg) James Dean ‏@flatoday_jdean  (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean)  2 ч.2 часа назад (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/735172696443658240)  
Rocket Lab's Schneider: actively looking at launch site options in Florida; working on reducing range costs. #SpaceCongress2016 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceCongress2016?src=hash)
 
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185659.jpg) James Dean ‏@flatoday_jdean  (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean)  3 ч.3 часа назад (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/735171595027816448)  
Rocket Lab's Schneider: targeting 1st Electron test launch late summer, 1st commercial flight Feb. '17, cross fingers.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Интересно, какое там давление после этого чудо-электронасоса?

Цитировать

The extremely high pressure (50 psi -> 1400 psi) the Rutherford engine's turbopump creates is required for the force to propel the rocket and payloads into orbit.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
От 3.4 атм. до 95.26 атм. Интересно...

ЦитироватьPlanet purchases three launches from Rocket Lab
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — July 12, 2016
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155544.jpg)
Rocket Lab's Electron small launch vehicle. Credit: Rocket Lab  
 
SAN DIEGO — Rocket Lab, the U.S.-New Zealand company developing the Electron small launch vehicle, announced July 12 that it has won a contract for three launches from remote sensing satellite company Planet.
The contract covers three dedicated launches of Dove satellites built by San Francisco-based Planet, formerly known as Planet Labs, on Electron vehicles. The companies did not announce terms of the deal, although Rocket Lab quotes a list price of $4.9 million per Electron launch on its website.
Mike Safyan, director of launch and regulatory affairs for Planet, said in an interview during the International Space Station Research and Development Conference here that the number of satellites that each launch will carry is still being determined, but will likely be between 20 and 25. Each Dove is a three-unit cubesat with a mass of about five kilograms.
The schedule for the launches will depend on the development of Electron, which has yet to make its first flight. Safyan said that if the Electron test program goes well, the first Planet launch, likely to sun-synchronous orbit, could be as soon as the second quarter of 2017.
Peter Beck, chief executive of Rocket Lab, said in an interview that the company is finishing up the commissioning of its launch site on the North Island of New Zealand while working on its first set of launch vehicles. "The vehicle is coming together nicely," he said. "We have three coming down the production line."
Rocket Lab announced earlier this year that the company planned to carry out its first test launch this summer, but Beck would only say that the first launch would take place "in the coming months." "We're working hard to get a couple of flights away this year," he said.
The delay, he said, was not due to any specific issue with the vehicle, launch site, or regulatory issues, as the U.S.-headquartered company works to get a launch license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. "We're anticipating a few teething issues" when everything comes together on the launch pad, he said, hence the uncertain launch schedule.
In addition to Planet, Rocket Lab has a contract for three launches, with options for two more, with Moon Express, a company developing commercial lunar landers. Rocket Lab won a Venture Class Launch Services contract from NASA last year. Spire has also signed a contract for launching some of its satellites on Electron launches, although those will be manifested as secondary payloads.
For Planet, the contract represents its first dedicated launch deal. Its satellites have previously been launched as secondary payloads, primarily from the ISS. An Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launched 12 Dove satellites as secondary payloads in June.
The dedicated launch contract, Safyan said, gives Planet flexibility in launch schedule and orbits it previously lacked as secondary payload customers. "That's a big deal for us," he said.

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Честно говоря, жду не дождусь ее полета. Хочется мю пн узнать.

Цитироватьприкинуть сколько у нее батарейки весят?

ЦитироватьMax Andriyahov пишет:
ну если 1,5 кВт*ч = 5,5 кг

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Честно говоря, жду не дождусь ее полета. Хочется мю пн узнать.

А мне хочется массовое совершенство ступеней узнать, очень сомнительны преимущества электронасосов по сравнению с вытесниловкой.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
так, вроде на кажде двигло 2 моторчика по 50 лс каждый, имеем можность турбоагрегатов 900 л.с., где-то 660 кВт. где взять время работы - не знаю, давайте возьмем 160 секунд как у фалкона, получаем где-то 30 кВт*ч.

тогда да, 132 кг батареек выглядят очень привлекательно за 327 с УИ

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
а какой УИ у керосинок с наддувом?

ЦитироватьMax Andriyahov пишет:
Комодский Варан , а вытесниловка "продавит" гелеобразное топливо?

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
эээ, я не понял, а у нее точно это самое монотипливо? или они просто вели работы по монотопливу, но ракету сделали на керосине?

у нее мю пн не 1.5 , а обещают 3.8. Нельзя сравнивать первую ступень со второй - в первой надо давление к камере сгорание побольше, вторая ступень не преодолевает гравитацию и т.д. весь расчет ошибочен

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
а какой УИ у керосинок с наддувом? и какая будет масса гелия?

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
а какой УИ у керосинок с наддувом?

Ну, у Кестрела было аж 317с Но это вторая ступень...

ЦитироватьMax Andriyahov пишет:
Комодский Варан , т.е. композитный корпус на фоне массы топлива не даёт особого выигрыша?

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А у Фалкона-1е УИ Кестрела должны были поднять до 327 сек.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Варан, у вам совершенно неверная противоречивая методика расчета

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Вы постулируете мюпн которой никто не знает и делаете мегавыводы. 

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Я видел оценку УИ двигателя первой ступени в 327 - не так уж и и плохо.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
вам просто надо привести ракету

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

ЦитироватьMax Andriyahov пишет:
Комодский Варан , т.е. композитный корпус на фоне массы топлива не даёт особого выигрыша?

Корпус весит очень мало. Думаю, не даёт.

ЦитироватьАлександр Шлядинский пишет:
Фау-2 вообще не в кассу. Во первых, Браун не делал космическую ракету. Его задача была долететь до Лондона. Во вторых, в то время слишком боялись тепловых нагрузок и потому делали подвесные баки. Если бы при этом применили вытесниловку, то ракета стала бы точно неподъемной.

[/li]
• Stage 1. 1 x Diamant B-1. Gross Mass: 21,500 kg (47,300 lb). Empty Mass: 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). Thrust (vac): 396.522 kN (89,142 lbf). Isp: 251 sec. Burn time: 110 sec.Isp(sl): 221 sec. Diameter: 1.40 m (4.50 ft). Span: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Length: 14.08 m (46.19 ft). Propellants: N2O4/UDMH. No Engines: 4. Engine: Vexin C. Other designations: L-17. Status: Out of Production.
  

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Empty Mass : 3,500 kg - это ужас ужас ужас. Понимаете, что проще сделать композитные баки и выигранные 100 кг пустить на аккумуляторы?

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
" изменить топливную пару с НДМГ/АТ на керосин/ЖК" - это уменьшит тягу, которую у земли не написали

Цитироватьhttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamant_(fus%C3%A9e ) дает УИ на уровне моря всего 203.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
3500 это вообще то вес второй ступени фалкона-9. с заправкой в 90 тонн  :)  совсем не смешно

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
титан прибавил в тяге в полтора раза при переходе на вонючку.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
в атмосфере вытеснительный работает очень плохо.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
ну если она зальет половину топлива - она улетит так, как этому вашему убожеству и не снилось (если обратно заменять мерлин на обычный). Вы упорно пытаетесь доказать, что 3500 кг пустого веса это мало, а 100 кг аккумуляторов это много - получается плохо

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Вы для кривых расчетов

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
о ней у нас данных куда меньше.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
расчетам учат в вузе на соответсующей специальности - обратитесь туда.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
у электрона нет ТНА

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
напомню с чего началось - вам не нравится 100 кг аккумуляторов. что сущая ерунда на фоне 3500 предлагаемого пустого веса

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
стоимость для электрона объявлена. объявите стоимость на вытесниловке?

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Стоимость РН на вытесниловке будет сильно зависеть от её размеров. Думаю, в 700-1000$/кг легко можно уложиться.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Стоимость запуска электрона огромна. 4.9 млн.$, 32600$/кг при 100 запусках в год.

ЦитироватьSOE пишет:
"Можно уложиться" - это набор слов. Когда будет хоть один сравнимый носитель такого класса, тогда и можно предметно обсуждать.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
напомню с чего началось - вам не нравится 100 кг аккумуляторов. что сущая ерунда на фоне 3500 предлагаемого пустого веса

У РН есть лишь одна характеристика - стоимость 1 кг на НОО. Так вот, по этой характеристике РН на вытесниловке уделает электрон с его насосами и аккумуляторами, несмотря на немного меньшую мю ПН.

Цитироватьоктоген пишет: 
берут многое из готовых коммерческих компонентов " с полки". 

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:

ЦитироватьА вытесниловку придется "от и до" самим вылизывать.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
напомню с чего началось - вам не нравится 100 кг аккумуляторов. что сущая ерунда на фоне 3500 предлагаемого пустого веса

У РН есть лишь одна характеристика - стоимость 1 кг на НОО. Так вот, по этой характеристике РН на вытесниловке уделает электрон с его насосами и аккумуляторами, несмотря на немного меньшую мю ПН.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:


у нее мю пн не 1.5 , а обещают 3.8.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А по этому мю ПН = 175/15701*100%= 1.115%. Это даже хуже, чем я предполагал.

ЦитироватьZOOR пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А по этому мю ПН = 175/15701*100%= 1.115%. Это даже хуже, чем я предполагал.

Это график для ССО. Умножьте на два.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А может сразу на 20 умножить?

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
ну и масса в 15 тонн тоже взята от фонаря. а кто-то пишет что 10.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
оптимальная в каком смысле?
у мелких ракет тяговооруженность другая. у веги вон вообще больше 2

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
и что? вы про смысл оптимальности не ответили

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
прежде чем что-то говорить об оптимальности надо определиться, какой функционал вы собрались оптимизировать. вот я вас об этом и спрашиваю. без этого все ваши рассуждения не имеют особого смысла (особенно с учетом дросселирования двигателя)

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
рокота и днепра

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
у зенита

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
вы не ответили что являлось критерием оптимальности и почему электрон его юзает

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
для каждого конкретного случая можно найти отмазку.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
не зная ни массы ракеты

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
криво пересчитав с ССО не зная УИ двигателя

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
внезапно они получились более мощные

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
потом проапгрейдят корпус 

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
я уж молчу что вы дросселирование двигателя игнорируете

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
чем больше тяговооруженность тем лучше

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
макску

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Qmax точка максимального сопротивления потока

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)
Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab: we're getting close to our first launch in the next few months. Comm'l launches start later in 1Q/17. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)
 8:09 - 8 авг. 2016 г.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Qmax точка максимального сопротивления потока

Никто. При уменьшении тяги падает УИ.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
Qmax точка максимального сопротивления потока

Никто. При уменьшении тяги падает УИ.

поэтому можно уменьшать тягу от взлета до макску, а потом ее на 103%

ЦитироватьSept. 16 (BusinessDesk) - The government has authorised the first commercial space rocket launches from New Zealand.

Rocket Lab, which operates a private satellite launch site on the Mahia Peninsula between Napier and Gisborne, intends to start launch operations later this year, Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce said in a statement. The contract is an interim measure, preceding the Outer Space and High Altitude Activities Bill which will be introduced to Parliament this month to provide a regulatory regime for space launches from New Zealand.

The government wants the bill passed into law by mid-2017, Joyce said. In June, New Zealand signed the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States government, which allows commercial entities, including Rocket Lab, to import launch technology and satellites from the US.

"This contract is an important milestone in the work the government is doing to support the development of a New Zealand-based space industry," Joyce said. "Rocket Lab is capitalising on some of New Zealand's advantages as an attractive location for space launches. We have clear skies, access to good launch angles, a skilled workforce and an innovation-friendly business environment."

Rocket Lab is backed by Silicon Valley investor Khosla Ventures, Stephen Tindall's K1W1 fund, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Bessemer Venture Partners, and global defence group Lockheed Martin. In July last year, it signed a contract with the US's National Aeronautics and Space Administration letting it use NASA's resources.

Before launching, Rocket Lab needs to obtain a licence from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so it can conduct its space launch activities in New Zealand, Joyce said.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А можно поставить сразу РД-171 и дросселировать его до 1.5%.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет: 
я правильно понимаю, что вы не знаете как тяга изменяется в процессе полета?

Цитироватьhttp://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1609/S00471/mahia-rocket-lab-launch-site-officially-opened.htm

Mahia Rocket Lab launch site officially opened

Tuesday, 27 September 2016, 10:07 am
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Steven Joyce
Minister for Economic Development
27 September 2016
Media Statement

Mahia Rocket Lab launch site officially opened

Economic Development Minster Steven Joyce today opened New Zealand's first orbital launch site, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, on the Mahia Peninsula on the North Island's east coast.

"I congratulate Chief Executive and founder Peter Beck and his team who have worked hard to achieve this," Mr Joyce says. "It is their innovation and perseverance that has made this day possible.

"I'm looking forward to the first launches fr om Mahia expected later this year, with more to come next year when Rocket Lab launches with commercial payloads."

Спойлер

"Rocketlab is just one of the most visible of hundreds of new generation kiwi hi-tech companies that are rapidly growing high-value exports and leading New Zealand into a hi-tech future."

Mr Joyce acknowledged the landowners from whom Rocket Lab had leased the land for the launch facility, and the people of Mahia and Wairoa.

"The farmland is leased from Onenui Station of the Tawapata South Māori Incorporation who have thought outside the square to explore new opportunities for shareholders. And local people have been very supportive of this new development in their backyard," Mr Joyce says.

"Rocket Lab will be a catalyst for other space-related activity in New Zealand. Space activity is pervasive in our lives, to such an extent we are no longer aware that our internet, our decision-making around energy and resource management, our marine surveillance to name only a tiny fraction, all rely on what we are doing in space.

"Attracting international players will be easier now that we are establishing a world-leading regulatory regime to be managed by a new NZ Space Agency, located within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

"The new Agency has been very busy not only supporting Rocket Lab to navigate the regulatory environment, but also putting in place the foundations for an internationally credible, competitive and well-connected New Zealand-based space industry.

Mr Joyce says the NZ Space Agency will be capitalising on Rocket Lab launches to help build New Zealand's capacity and expertise in all manner of space-related activities and will support the strategic opportunities that are likely to flow.

The Outer Space and High Altitude Activities Bill was introduced to The House on 19 September and it is intended it will become law by mid-2017. It will enable the development of a space industry in New Zealand, and ensure its safe, secure and responsible operation. It also provides for the management of certain high altitude activities that take place from New Zealand and enables New Zealand to manage risks and implement certain international obligations relating to space activities and space technology.
ends

[свернуть]

Цитироватьhttps://rocketlabusa.com/rocket-lab-launch-complex-1-ready-for-launches/
Rocket Lab is pleased to announce the completion of the world's first private orbital launch complex, Launch Complex 1.
Located on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula, Launch Complex 1 is set to enable the highest frequency of space launches in history. The facility will be the primary site for launches of Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle, designed to lift a 150 kg payload to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit.
New Zealand's remote island location and low volume of marine and air traffic create ideal conditions for frequent launch opportunities. In addition, launches from the site can access a uniquely wide range of orbital inclinations – from 39 degrees through sun-synchronous.
Facilities at Launch Complex 1 include a vehicle processing hangar wh ere the vehicle will be prepared for launch as well as a 50 tonne launch platform. The platform will tilt forward to lift the rocket to a vertical position prior to launch.
Satellites launched from the complex will be used to provide services including optimized crop monitoring, improved weather reporting, internet from space, natural disaster prediction, up-to-date maritime data and search and rescue services.
Rocket Lab has completed major milestones this year with the qualification of the 3D printed Rutherford engine, qualification of the second stage of the Electron rocket and the development of major infrastructure including remote tracking, test facilities and the launch site. The company is currently working through the qualification of the first stage of the Electron rocket and will look to begin the test flight phase once qualification and launch licencing are complete.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
я правильно понимаю, что вы не знаете как тяга изменяется в процессе полета?

Пропорционально УИ. Непосредственно у РД-170 УИ изменяется вот так:

 


Ещё вопросы?

ЦитироватьRocket Lab launch site go for lift-off
 9:30 AM Tuesday Sep 27, 2016

Rocket Lab has opened its launch site at Mahia - the world's first private orbital launch complex.
The Auckland-based company plans to launch its first test rocket fr om the site at the tip of the Mahia Peninsula before the end of the year.
The site - in an area with little air traffic - will enable high frequency launches once the Rocket Lab programme gets to a commercial stage.
It will be the primary launch site for the 17m tall Electron rocket although lift off fr om sites overseas are possible.
Other launch pads overseas for rockets going into orbit are government-owned.
"Completing Launch Complex 1 is a significant milestone in the build-up to the first test flight of the Electron vehicle," said Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck.
The facility was opened today by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.
The opening was also attended by 180 locals, officials, Rocket Lab staff and members of the newly formed New Zealand Space agency within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Customers signed to fly on Electron include NASA, Planet, Spire and Moon Express. With a dedicated launch priced at $6.7 million to $7.6 million, Electron will take small satellites into low earth orbit at a fraction of the cost of overseas competitors.
Beck said it was ''wonderful'' to celebrate the completion of the site with those who had welcomed the company into the community.
Wherever possible, Rocket Lab hired local contractors to develop the site. Facilities at Launch Complex 1 include a vehicle processing hangar wh ere the rocket will be fuelled up with liquid oxygen and kerosene and prepared for launch.
The platform will tilt forward to lift the rocket to a vertical position prior to launch.
There has been some concerns raised locally and by Greenpeace about the environmental impact of the programme, specifically parts or the rocket falling to earth.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/121198.jpg)
The carbon fibre vehicle weighs over 12 tonnes and is fitted with a kill switch that can be activated by specialist ground crew at the site if it strays off course. Mission control will be at Rocket Lab's base near Auckland Airport.
The company is not putting a date on the first launch, one of three planned test flights before it carries any satellites.
It has warned sightseers that due to the nature of testing, there is a likelihood of 'scrubbed' launches.
 

ЦитироватьCompleting Launch Complex 1 is a significant milestone in the build-up to the first test flight of the Electron vehicle.

''Rocket Lab recommends viewing a launch in the commercial phase rather than the test phase - we value your time, and wouldn't want to keep you waiting.''
There was a possibility of a space tourism industry, wh ere facilities are put in for rocket buffs who travel long distances to watch launches.
Rocket Lab says Wairoa District Council is evaluating the location of viewing platforms to be installed for the commercial phase of launches.
 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/65656)
 - NZ Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz)

ЦитироватьСМИ: в Новой Зеландии открыли первый в мире частный космодром
 27 сентября, 19:48 UTC+3
 Первый тестовый запуск с космодрома планируется осуществить до конца текущего года
 
СИДНЕЙ, 27 сентября. /ТАСС/. Компания Rocket Lab  открыла первый в мире частный космодром в Новой Зеландии. Об этом сообщила газета The New Zealand Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11717003).
Как отмечает издание, первый тестовый запуск с космодрома планируется осуществить до конца текущего года.
На открытии нового объекта присутствовал министр экономического развития страны Стивен Джойс, а также представители местных властей, сотрудники Rocket Lab и члены вновь сформированного в рамках Министерства бизнеса, инноваций и занятости Космического агентства страны.
"Завершение строительства Launch Complex 1 ("Пускового комплекса 1") является важным этапом в продвижении к осуществлению первого тестового полета ракеты-носителя Electron" - приводит газета слова главы Rocket Lab.
Как ожидается, ракеты Electron будут использоваться NASA, Planet, Spire и Moon Express. Electron будет осуществлять доставку малогабаритных спутников на низкую околоземную орбиту. Объявленная цена запуска составит от $6,7 до $7,6 млн, отмечает издание.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  23 ч.23 часа назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/786303277298167808)  
Sunil Nagaraj, Bessmer Venture Partners: invested in Rocket Lab since we saw launch as a bottleneck. Their 1st launch "soon". #ISPCS2016 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISPCS2016?src=hash)
 

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185591.jpg) Brian Berger ‏@Berger_SN  (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN) 6 ч.6 часов назад (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN/status/786980358520733696)
Rocket Lab's Schneider on New Zealand's environmental impact hoops: "If you drop a fish hook...you've polluted their ocean." #WSBR (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBR?src=hash)
 
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185591.jpg) Brian Berger ‏@Berger_SN  (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN) 6 ч.6 часов назад (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN/status/786978964241866752)
Garvey: Vector can stay alive on 12 launches a year. Schneider: Rocket Lab "will survive on well less than 12 a year." #WSBR (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBR?src=hash)
 
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185591.jpg) Brian Berger ‏@Berger_SN  (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN) 6 ч.6 часов назад (https://twitter.com/Berger_SN/status/786973513857003520)
"It's unfortunate the news about Firefly, because we all need these vehicles to work" – Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab, at @WSBR_events (https://twitter.com/WSBR_events)

ЦитироватьMax Andriyahov пишет:
Ещё – на форуме NSF было высказано мнение, что новый космодром Rocket Lab – самый живописный. «The best view ever», так сказать. Ну, не знаю – сравнивать бы надо с Ванденбергом и Tanegashima, – там, говорят, самая красота. Но я там не был.
Можно просто посмотреть видео облёта комодрома Mahia Peninsula (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl3L9tyStsg) , действительно красиво  :)  

ЦитироватьТю! С Танегасимой и рядом не стояло.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab test flights delayed
by Suzi Lewis, Wairoa Star            
Published: November 23, 2016 9:27AM        
Company now plans to conduct first test flight early in 2017.

TEST flights from Rocket Lab's Mahia launch site will now take place early next year.
Rocket Lab originally scheduled road closures for test launches between November 17 and December 24. The company is now planning to conduct the first test flight early next year.
Rocket Lab media spokeswoman Catherine Moreau-Hammond said the team had worked tirelessly this year, and with the holidays fast approaching they felt it best to allow everyone a decent break.
Ms Moreau-Hammond said this would also alleviate some pressure on Mahia, which experiences a considerable population spike through the Christmas holidays.
"We've had a hugely successful year, and are pleased to have qualified multiple, major vehicle systems, completed Launch Complex 1, doubled the size of our team and completed many regulatory milestones.
"We will continue to make information available to the public in the lead-up to the first test. We are thankful for the continued support of our neighbours, suppliers and supporters," she said.
Ms Moreau-Hammond said further details about road closures would be available in the coming weeks but there would be no closures this year.
The test launches will see the company send its sleek Electron rocket vehicle into orbit from the Launch Complex 1 site at Onenui Station.
Rocket Lab's mission is to remove commercial barriers to space, making it accessible by providing frequent and affordable launch opportunities.
The company opened the Launch Complex 1 site in September in a ceremony at Onenui Station.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab Completes Major Technical Milestone Ahead of Test Launches
POSTED ON 13 DECEMBER 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBiZqHpZBV4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBiZqHpZBV4)
Rocket Lab today announced the flight qualification and acceptance of the first stage booster of the Electron launch vehicle.
All primary components of the stage – including engines, vehicle structures, avionics and software systems - were designed, developed and tested in-house at Rocket Lab.
"Rocket Lab has had a hugely successful year with qualification of all major vehicle systems, completion of Launch Complex 1 and considerable growth of our team and customer base," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO. 
"We will continue to test the vehicle extensively in the lead-up to commercial operations and are looking forward to beginning the test flight program. Our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes – our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities."
Rocket Lab plans to begin full vehicle testing in early 2017 once international launch licensing is complete. The tests will occur from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, located on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab ‏@RocketLabUSA  (https://twitter.com/RocketLabUSA) 16 ч16 часов назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLabUSA/status/808351376421986305)
 Rocket Lab completes final major technical milestone ahead of test launches - Electron Stage 1 acceptance complete! http://rocketlab.co.nz/latest/rocket-lab-completes-final-major-technical-milestone-before-first-test-launches/ ... (https://t.co/3kUId6noXc)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/159303.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/159304.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  2 мин.2 минуты назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/817130135396745221)  
Richards: cutting the ribbon on our new facility at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 17 in a few months. Launching w/Rocket Labs from NZ.
 
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  5 мин.5 минут назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/817129601981906946)  
Bob Richards, Moon Express: making a "big announcement" next week about our further funding. On path to launch this year.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  4 ч.4 часа назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/818928799639306240)  
Stark: first launch of Electron by Rocket Lab is scheduled for end of this month; NASA VCLS mission will be their 6th, later this year.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  9 ч.9 часов назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/819016450300055555)  
Rocket Lab tells me "no test this month but we're certainly getting close."

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab ‏@RocketLabUSA  (https://twitter.com/RocketLabUSA)  6 ч.6 часов назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLabUSA/status/832118375828508672)  
Three test launches are planned before Rocket Lab begins commercial satellite launches.
https://twitter.com/i/videos/832118375828508672?embed_source=facebook

ЦитироватьElectron Arrives at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1
Posted on 16 February 2017

Rocket Lab delivered its first Electron vehicle to Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 late last night marking the beginning of pre-flight checkouts.
The rocket was trucked to the Mahia Peninsula from Rocket Lab's Auckland facility.
"It's an important milestone for our team and for the space industry. In the past, it's been countries that go to space, not companies," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's CEO. "Through the innovative use of new technologies our team has created a launch vehicle designed for manufacture at scale. Our ultimate goal is to change our ability to access space."
"Since we commenced this project three years ago, our team has accomplished an incredible amount – the vehicle has gone through rigorous qualification and acceptance testing, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 has been completed and major tracking infrastructure has been installed in remote locations."
Over the coming weeks, a series of tests and checkouts will be conducted at the site before the rocket, named It's a Test, is signed-off to fly.
"We put it out to our team to name the vehicle," said Beck. "We wanted to acknowledge the intensive research and development Electron has undergone and that continues with these test flights."
The launch, which will be the first orbital launch attempt from New Zealand, is the first of three planned tests before Rocket Lab begins providing customers commercial satellite launches.
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/209675.jpg)
 

ЦитироватьRocket Lab's big leap: Test vehicle moved to launch site on Mahia Peninsula
6:00 PM Thursday Feb 16, 2017        
         
Rocket Lab's first Electron vehicle has arrived at its launch site south of Gisborne in what the New Zealand company says is an important milestone for the space industry.
The historic test launch will take place in ''the coming months'', dependent on equipment testing and weather on the Mahia Peninsula.
Pre-flight checks would now start on the 17m tall rocket - with a call sign chosen by staff: ''It's a Test.''
"It's an important milestone for our team and for the space industry, both in New Zealand and globally. In past, it's been countries that go to space, not companies," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive.
''I'm immensely proud of the team it's a great effort by a group of incredible people."
The rocket was taken by truck in two climate-controlled containers to the Mahia Peninsula from Rocket Lab's manufacturing base near Auckland Airport. Launch Complex 1 is at the tip of the peninsula, about 90km south of Gisborne.
The launch will be the first orbital launch attempt from New Zealand. It is the first of three planned test launches before Rocket Lab begins providing customers commercial satellite launches.
Launch windows of several days will be announced but Rocket Lab is worried sightseers may be disappointed if launches are postponed or scrubbed due to weather or technical modifications to the vehicle.
"We understand the desire everyone has to get out there and watch," said Beck. "History has shown with any test launch programme that there is a likelihood of scrubs. We value everyone's time, and wouldn't want people waiting around for us."

ЦитироватьRocket Lab's experimental rocket arrives at New Zealand launch pad for debut flight
The Electron is almost ready to start test launches
by Loren Grush@lorengrush Feb 16, 2017, 12:00am EST
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/132445.jpg)
The first Electron test vehicle at Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site. Rocket Lab  
 
After three years of developing a brand new rocket, aerospace startup Rocket Lab has finally transported a finished vehicle to the New Zealand launch pad where it will take its first flight. The rocket, called the Electron, has been tested on the ground over the last year but has never been flown to space before. Over the next couple of months, Rocket Lab will conduct a series of test launches of the vehicle to verify that it's ready to carry payloads into orbit for commercial customers.
Compared to other major commercial rockets like the Falcon 9 or the Atlas V, the Electron is pretty small — only 55 feet tall and and around 4 feet in diameter. That's because the vehicle is specifically designed to launch small satellites. The vehicle can carry payloads ranging fr om 330 to 500 pounds into an orbit more than 300 miles up. That's a relatively light lift contrasted with the Falcon 9, which can carry more than 50,000 pounds into lower Earth orbit.
 
The Electron is specifically designed to launch small satellites
 
But Rocket Lab isn't interested in competing with major players like SpaceX or the United Launch Alliance. The company wants to capitalize solely on what is being hailed as the small satellite revolution — a trend of making space probes as tiny as possible. Typically, aerospace manufacturers will spend years and millions of dollars developing a satellite that's roughly the size of a bus. And then an entire rocket is needed just to get one thousand-pound satellite into space. But technology has advanced in recent years, and companies have come up with ways to miniaturize their satellites, making these space probes as small as a shoebox. Small satellites usually take less time and money to make, and since they're so compact, multiple probes can be launched to space on a single rocket (http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/14/14601938/india-pslv-rocket-launch-satellites-planet-doves).
Various aerospace companies have started focusing on making and operating small satellites, and because of the enthusiasm surrounding these tiny spacecraft, Rocket Lab has received a huge influx of launch requests. "The customer uptake for the product has just been phenomenal," Peter Beck, the founder of Rocket Lab, tells The Verge. "I think it's a testament to the industry that 2017 for us is totally fully booked and has been for a year or more. And 2018, there's only a few spots left. We haven't even flown the vehicle yet on one test flight, and the manifest is overflowing."
   (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/132449.jpg)   A test of the first stage of the Electron. Rocket Lab  
Perhaps one of the things that makes Rocket Lab's Electron so attractive to customers is the estimated price tag. The company claims it will only charge around $4.9 million for each launch. That's a cheap option compared to one flight of the Falcon 9, for instance, which starts at $62 million (http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/1/11549456/spacex-falcon-9-heavy-launch-capabilities-weight-mars).
 
The Electron sports some unique design features
 
The Electron also sports some unique design features. The vehicle's nine main engines, known as Rutherford engines, are manufactured mostly through 3D printing; they're also partially electric (http://www.popsci.com/rocket-labs-got-3d-printed-battery-powered-rocket-engine). Batteries are used to power the turbopumps — key hardware that funnels the vehicle's propellant into the engines. Typically, turbopumps are powered by a gas generator, where you essentially have another engine that spins the pumps' turbine blades, but Beck says the batteries reduce the complexity of the engine's machinery.
"The reason why we arrived at the electric turbopump is we sat down and analyzed wh ere the cost and complexity is in the engine, and it's always in the turbine machinery," says Beck. "The electric turbopump cycle allows us to take that really complicated thermodynamic problem and just turn it into software."
   (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/132450.jpg)   The Electron rocket. Rocket Lab  
Getting the rocket and its engines ready for spaceflight has certainly taken time, but Rocket Lab has also had another daunting task to accomplish before the Electron can fly: creating an entirely new launch pad in New Zealand. It's the country's first launch site and the first private orbital launch range ever (http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/22/9010959/first-commercial-launch-pad-rocket-lab-satellites). And making the site functional has required more than just building the pad. Rocket Lab had to build tracking stations on remote islands in the Pacific, to trace the rocket's path when it launches. The site also had to receive the necessary regulatory approvals to launch rockets.
 
"It's really been a massive infrastructure build, as well as a launch vehicle build."
 
"It's really been a massive infrastructure build, as well as a launch vehicle build," says Beck. "We joke around here that we wish that we just had to build a rocket like everyone else, because that would be easy. We had to build all the infrastructure that, normally, you would just turn up to a launch range and use."
   (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/132448.jpg)   Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site on the Mahia Peninsula. Rocket Lab  
All launches out of the US take place at launch ranges run by government organizations. With the New Zealand pad, Rocket Lab will be in control of the launch site, the tracking facilities, and the launch vehicle. The goal is to use all of these tools to launch one rocket per week, creating frequent access to space for the company's customers.
But first, Rocket Lab has to pull off its test flights of the Electron. The company plans to perform three test launches, the first of which is supposed to happen within the next few months. The inaugural rocket has been dubbed "It's a Test," and will carry scientific instruments in lieu of a payload to collect data about the flight. "We're a very test heavy company; we do a lot of diligence in that area," says Beck.
 
If the three flights are successful, then Rocket Lab will get to work launching for its customers
 
If those three flights are successful, then Rocket Lab will get to work fulfilling its contractual obligations to its customers. Those include small satellite operators Planet and Spire, as well as NASA. The space agency awarded Rocket Lab a $6.95 million contract in 2015 to launch a small NASA payload into lower Earth orbit. Additionally, Rocket Lab is slated to launch a small lunar lander for Moon Express (http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14263076/moon-express-funding-20-million-google-lunar-x-prize), an aerospace company with long-term ambitions of mining the Moon someday. Moon Express is a competitor in the Google Lunar X Prize competition — an international contest to send the first private spacecraft to the Moon's surface — and in order to win, participants must launch their landers before December 31st, 2017.
So the success of Rocket Lab's test flights is good news for Moon Express' chances of winning the Google Lunar X Prize. "We are excited to see the Electron rocket arrive at the Mahia launch complex for its first test flight," Bob Richards, CEO of Moon Express, tells The Verge. "The maiden launch of the Electron will be an exciting moment for Rocket Lab and the entire commercial space industry."

ЦитироватьRocket Lab ships first Electron rocket to launch site
by Caleb Henry (http://spacenews.com/author/caleb-henry/) — February 16, 2017
  (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155684.jpg)
Rocket Lab's first Electron rocket, named "It's a Test," arrived at the company's Launch Complex 1 facility to kick off pre-flight checkouts ahead of a test campaign consisting of three trial launches. Credit: Rocket Lab  
 
WASHINGTON — Small satellite launch company Rocket Lab shipped its first orbital launch vehicle to the company's Launch Complex 1 facility to kick off pre-flight checkouts ahead of a test campaign consisting of three trial launches.
The startup had originally planned to commence test launches in 2016, but opted to perform additional ground testing, give its team some downtime around the Christmas holiday, and also complete infrastructure for the launch facility at Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, Founder and Chief Executive Peter Beck told SpaceNews Feb. 15.
Beck said that the first rocket's name, "It's a Test," is indicative of the company's mindset toward the debut launch as being an extension of the research and development for Electron before it formally enters service.
"What we want to do is make sure we come into our commercial manifest with a vehicle that's well buttoned and ready to go," said Beck. "We have a lot of customers and commitments. We don't really have time to have a vehicle that's still in development."
The Electron launcher is a carbon-composite rocket designed to launch payloads up to 150 kilograms into a 500-kilometer low Earth orbit. Announced customers include Planet, Moon Express, NASA and Spire.
Rocket Lab, after launching more than 80 sounding rockets, started development of the orbital Electron launcher three years ago. The company's long-term goal is to perform roughly one launch a week, providing dedicated missions for small satellite operators.
Beck said each of the first three trial launches will scale in difficulty, increasing altitude and payload mass each time so that Rocket Lab can gauge the performance capability of the rocket. Rocket Lab will collect more than 20,000 channels of data from each flight, he said.
"The first test flights are all about generating data," he said.
However, only the first launch will be completely absent of customers. Beck said the second and third test flights will have some customer payloads on board.
Rocket Lab cautioned that the probability of abandoned, or scrubbed, launch attempts with the test flights is high due to the nature of the company's test regime. The company didn't give a timeframe for launch. Spokesperson Catherine Moreau-Hammond told SpaceNews Feb. 16 that the timing of the launches depends on the progress of Electron checkouts at site.
"We expect to notify windows of attempts several weeks in advance of the launch," she said.
"We understand the desire everyone has to get out there and watch," Beck said in a prepared statement. "History has shown with any test launch program that there is a likelihood of scrubs. We value everyone's time, and wouldn't want people waiting around for us."
If all goes as planned, Beck said Rocket Lab wants to launch seven times this year — three tests and four fully-commercial — and 13 or more times in 2018. Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 facility in New Zealand is licensed to launch once every 72 hours, and the company has highlighted the location as one with limited constraints thanks to an absence of much maritime or aviation activity.

ЦитироватьЧебурашка пишет:
Кто бы мог подумать

Цитировать Rocket Lab's battery-powered Electron enters Launch Campaign ahead of Maiden Mission               
  February 20, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/rocket-labs-electron-enters-first-launch-campaign/)
 
           (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/153996.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Electron-at-Launch-Complex-1-Full-shot.jpg)

Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab's innovative Electron rocket has entered a final stage in the preparation for the company's maiden launch, arriving at its New Zealand launch site for several weeks of processing and testing. No firm timeline has been set for the mission, but Rocket Lab plans to fly three qualification missions in relatively close succession to be able to enter operational services before the end of the year.

Спойлер

The components of the first flight vehicle arrived at Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula last Thursday to undergo assembly before rollout to the sea-side launch facility for final verification testing, putting the rocket and the brand new ground systems through their paces before flight.

"It's an important milestone for our team and for the space industry. In the past, it's been countries that go to space, not companies," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's CEO. "Through the innovative use of new technologies our team has created a launch vehicle designed for manufacture at scale. Our ultimate goal is to change our ability to access space."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/153995.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Electron-3.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

Electron is the world's first "battery-powered rocket" to make it to the launch pad, employing an electric pump-fed combustion cycle that uses electric turbopumps instead of complex high-pressure turbomachinery driven by combustion gas in open or closed cycle engines. With Electron, Rocket Lab sets out to develop a cost-effective commercial launch service catered to the niche of small satellites that would normally have to purchase secondary payload slots, making them dependent on the schedule and orbital requirements of another project.

Electron's first mission has been aptly named "It's a Test" by the Rocket Lab workforce. "We put it out to our team to name the vehicle," said Beck. "We wanted to acknowledge the intensive research and development Electron has undergone and that continues with these test flights."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFnTpURe7UI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFnTpURe7UI)

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/153998.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ElectronMahia.jpg)
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 – Photo: Rocket Lab

The first flight-ready rocket was trucked fr om Rocket Labs manufacturing base near Auckland to Mahia, located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island from wh ere Electron will be able to reach a wide variety of orbital inclinations.

Over the coming weeks, teams will assemble the booster in a horizontal integration facility before moving Electron to its launch pad.

The company has not provided a schedule for their inaugural launch campaign and Electron will be flying without any satellite payloads. "It's a Test" will host an instrumentation package to capture a number of performance parameters beyond the typical launch vehicle telemetry to gain insight into how the rocket's various systems and structures behave in different flight environments.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/153997.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Electron-first-stage-delivery.jpg)
First Stage Delivery – Photo: Rocket Lab

Test flights two and three, expected to come within a few weeks of each other, will carry CubeSats into orbit under contact with ISIS – Innovative Solutions in Space and satellite Internet start-up Outernet Inc. Rocket Lab is contracted for at least seven operational missions, including a Venture-Class launch contract from NASA, three dedicated launches for San Francisco-based Planet, and three flights for Moon Express. Beyond that, the company is offering quarterly Rideshare launches to a 500km SSO starting in Q2 of this year.

Electron offers small satellite operators flexibility in setting their own schedule and catering to their orbital requirements with a launch price of under $5 million for dedicated missions and around $6.5 million when launching CubeSat cluster missions. The two-stage rocket can lift up to 225 Kilograms into Low Earth Orbit and 150kg into a 500-Kilometer Sun Synchronous Orbit that is of relevance for Earth-Imaging companies.

>>Technical Overview of the Electron SmallSat Launcher (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/electron/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154000.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Stage-One-Layup.jpg)
Electron First Stage – Image: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab developed all components of the Electron rocket in-house, coming up with an all-composite design that makes use of advanced carbon composite materials to build a strong and very light-weight structure. Overall, the rocket stands 17 meters tall and measures 1.2 meters in diameter with a launch mass of around 12.5 metric tons. Its first stage is powered by nine Rutherford engines, generating a launch thrust of 15 metric-ton-force that rises to 18,700 Kilogram-force when flying through the rarefied upper atmosphere.

Rutherford is the first electric-pump fed engine to reach the launch pad, also the first Kerosene/Liquid Oxygen engine to use 3D printing for all primary components. Two brushless DC motors, each the size of a soda can, drive the engine's turbomachinery, spinning at up to 40,000RPM. Thirteen batteries installed on the rocket's first stage deliver over 1 Megawatt of power during just over two and a half minutes of first stage operation, relying on advanced Li-Polymer battery technology.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/153999.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Electron-second-stage.jpg)
Electron Second Stage – Photo: Rocket Lab

A 22-Kilonewton, vacuum-optimized version of the Rutherford engine powers Electron's second stage into orbit, using three battery packs to power its pumps, two of which are jettisoned in flight. Sitting atop the second stage can either be a single payload or any combination of CubeSats amounting to 82 CubeSat Units. Rocket Lab developed a 'Plug-In Payload' Integration system that allows satellite operators to integrate their own payload stack and ship it to the launch site for a single assembly step with the rocket, taking only a matter of hours.

Upon completion of the company's flight qualification program, Rocket Lab hopes to begin stepping up their launch rate to one mission per week. Their Mahia site is licensed for one launch per three-day period and Rocket Lab is also looking into launching from Cape Canaveral and the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьSubrogator пишет:
Тётя Вика говорит, что ориентировочно в марте...

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Дай Бог пустят. Это Лина и компанию подстегнет.

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Дай Бог пустят. Это Лина и компанию подстегнет.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 60 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/844172613979004928)

Rocket Lab is announcing today a $75M Series D round that allows it to scale up production of its Electron rocket:
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155687.jpg)

Rocket Lab raises $75 million to scale up launch vehicle production - SpaceNews.com
Rocket Lab, a company developing a small launch vehicle, announced March 21 that it has raised an additional $75 million to scale up production.
spacenews.com (http://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-75-million-to-scale-up-launch-vehicle-production/)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab raises $75 million to scale up launch vehicle production
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — March 21, 2017

Спойлер

 
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155687.jpg)
The first Electron launch vehicle at Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site, awaiting launch in the coming months. Credit: Rocket Lab

[свернуть]

WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab, a U.S.-New Zealand company developing a small launch vehicle, announced March 21 that it has raised an additional $75 million that will help the company scale up production of the rocket.

The new funding round is led by venture capital firm Data Collective, with contributions fr om another VC firm, Promus Ventures, and an undisclosed investor. Several prior investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures and K1W1, also participated in the round.

Rocket Lab said the Series D round brings the total raised by the company to $148 million, and values the company at more than $1 billion. Rocket Lab announced a Series B round of unspecified size in 2015, and Peter Beck, the company's chief executive, said the company did an unannounced Series C round in the interim involving only existing investors.

Спойлер

In an interview, Beck said the money will go towards increasing the production capacity for its Electron rocket, set to make its debut later this year. "This is really all about scaling," he said. "The funding is all about producing the vehicle in much more significant numbers."

As part of that effort, the company has moved into a new headquarters facility in Huntington Beach, California. The 150,000-square foot building will be used to manufacture engines for the Electron rocket as well as electronics systems. The vehicles themselves will continue to be assembled at a factory in New Zealand, although Beck said it's possible in the future that some rockets will be built in California as well, particularly for launches from U.S. sites.

The Electron rocket is designed to serve the burgeoning small satellite market, with the capability to place up to 150 kilograms into a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Rocket Lab recently shipped the first Electron to its launch site on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula for testing.

That testing is continuing, with a focus on preparing the launch site rather than the rocket. "Most of the commission operations that are occurring down there are for the launch range. The vehicle is ready to fly," he said. He would not commit to a specific schedule for the vehicle's first launch other than the "coming months."

 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155689.jpg) (http://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/mahia-launchsite.jpg)
Rocket Lab's launch site on Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab

Despite the uncertain schedule, Beck said Rocket Lab still planned to conduct five to seven launches this year. Those include three test flights as well as a launch for Moon Express, a company facing an end-of-2017 deadline for launching a lunar lander to win the $20 million Google Lunar X Prize. Another launch would be for NASA's Venture Class Launch Services program under a contract awarded in October 2015.

Beck said the company has a large backlog, although he didn't mention the number of launches under contract. That demand, he said, was a driver for scaling up production, enabled by the new funding round.

He added he wasn't concerned about a potential consolidation in one part of the small satellite market, Earth imaging, which has the potential to reduce demand. "We see an expanding market, not a shrinking one," he said. "We're excited about what we're seeing. For us, it's more a question of if we can build rockets fast enough rather than does a market exist."

Rocket Lab's new investors share that optimism. "With Rocket Lab, this huge backlog [of smallsats] now has access to a high-frequency, quality launch service that will take customers wh ere they want to go, when they want to fly. The commercial and humanitarian applications this will open up are endless, and it should unleash a torrent of financing for space innovation," said Matt Ocko, managing partner at Data Collective, in a statement.

"Launch has been the prime barrier to market entry in small satellites, and we firmly believe Rocket Lab will successfully fill this void," said Mike Collett, founder and managing partner of Promus Ventures, in a statement.

Both funds have invested in other space companies — Data Collective in Planet and Promus in Spire — although the bulk of their portfolio is in software and other industries outside of space. The space experience they do have, Beck said, was a key reason he agreed to accept funding from them.

"We wanted investors who understand the space industry," he said, "people who understand the trials and tribulations but also the potential that it has."

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust  (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/844173153802768384)
 
Rocket Lab says it's raised $148M to date, and claims a valuation of more than $1B. First Electron launch in the "coming months."

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185820.png) SPACE.com‏Подлинная учетная запись @SPACEdotcom  (https://twitter.com/SPACEdotcom) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SPACEdotcom/status/844209651285553152)

Small Sat Launch Provider Rocket Lab Raises $75 Million to Boost Production http://dlvr.it/Nh82BZ  (https://t.co/INzcj41ZRe)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/157361.jpg)

ЦитироватьThe second stage of the Rocket Lab Electron rocket. A new influx of funding will allow the company to increase production of the Electron.
 Credit: Rocket Lab

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А вот и развесовка подъехала:

Type	Electron 1st Stage
Length	12.1 m
Diameter	1.2 m
Inert Mass	950 kg
Propellant Mass	9,250 kg
Fuel	Rocket Propellant 1
Oxidizer	Liquid Oxygen
Tank Design	Composite Materials
Propulsion	9 x Rutherford
Engine Type	Electric-Pump Fed
Thrust (Sea Level)	16.89 kN
Thrust (Vacuum)	20.33 kN
Launch Thrust	152 kN
Specific Impulse	303 s
Engine Mass	Approx. 20 kg
Burn Time	~155 s
Tank Pressurization	Helium
Attitude Control	Engine Gimbaling
Shutdown	Commanded
Stage Separation	Pneumatic

Type	Electron Second Stage
Length	2.4 m
Diameter	1.2 m
Inert Mass	250kg
Propellant Mass	2,150kg
Fuel	Rocket Propellant 1
Oxidizer	Liquid Oxygen
Tank Design	Composite Material
Propulsion	1 x Rutherford Vacuum
Engine Type	Electric Pump-Fed, Vac-optimized
Thrust	22 kN
Specific Impulse	333 s
Burn Time	~320 s
Pitch, Yaw Control	Engine Gimbaling
Roll Control	RCS
Shutdown	Commanded
Reaction Control S.	Cold Gas

Щас сравним с вытесниловкой...

Цитироватьfreinir пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
А вот и развесовка подъехала:

Type	Electron 1st Stage
Length	12.1 m
Diameter	1.2 m
Inert Mass	950 kg
Propellant Mass	9,250 kg
Fuel	Rocket Propellant 1
Oxidizer	Liquid Oxygen
Tank Design	Composite Materials
Propulsion	9 x Rutherford
Engine Type	Electric-Pump Fed
Thrust (Sea Level)	16.89 kN
Thrust (Vacuum)	20.33 kN
Launch Thrust	152 kN
Specific Impulse	303 s
Engine Mass	Approx. 20 kg
Burn Time	~155 s
Tank Pressurization	Helium
Attitude Control	Engine Gimbaling
Shutdown	Commanded
Stage Separation	Pneumatic Type Electron Second Stage Length 2.4 m Diameter 1.2 m Inert Mass 250kg Propellant Mass 2,150kg Fuel Rocket Propellant 1 Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen Tank Design Composite Material Propulsion 1 x Rutherford Vacuum Engine Type Electric Pump-Fed, Vac-optimized Thrust 22 kN Specific Impulse 333 s Burn Time ~320 s Pitch, Yaw Control Engine Gimbaling Roll Control RCS Shutdown Commanded Reaction Control S. Cold Gas Щас сравним с вытесниловкой...

Откуда данные?

ЦитироватьКопатыч пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

Массовое совершенство...массовое совершенство...
Масса Falcon-1 вдвое больше. Диаметр больше в 1,4 раза. Мне продолжать?

ЦитироватьКопатыч пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

Массовое совершенство...массовое совершенство...
Масса Falcon-1 вдвое больше. Диаметр больше в 1,4 раза. Мне продолжать?

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:

ЦитироватьКопатыч пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:

Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

Массовое совершенство...массовое совершенство...
Масса Falcon-1 вдвое больше. Диаметр больше в 1,4 раза. Мне продолжать?

Там бы еще и тяговооруженности сравнить.

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Итак, начнём сверху.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Как видим, простая вытесниловская ступень с алюминиевыми баками (даже не Al-Li) выигрывает у супер-пупер навороченной дорогущей композитной ступени с электронасосами по массовому совершенству, но проигрывает всего лишь на 6 секунд по УИ. Вопрос: нахрена тогда оно надо?

Первая ступень:
Массовое совершенство: 950/(950+9250) = 0.093.
Сравним её с композитной первой ступенью BA-2, заправленной ЖК и керосином: 45195/(45195+573000) = 0.073.
Вытеснительная первая ступень на той-же топливной паре, изготовленная из Al-Li сплавов будет иметь массовое совершенство около 0.1, проигрыш в УИ составит не более 10 сек, а при использовании соплового насадка проигрыша в УИ вообще не будет.

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

ЦитироватьFormatik пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Итак, начнём сверху.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Как видим, простая вытесниловская ступень с алюминиевыми баками (даже не Al-Li) выигрывает у супер-пупер навороченной дорогущей композитной ступени с электронасосами по массовому совершенству, но проигрывает всего лишь на 6 секунд по УИ. Вопрос: нахрена тогда оно надо?

Первая ступень:
Массовое совершенство: 950/(950+9250) = 0.093.
Сравним её с композитной первой ступенью BA-2, заправленной ЖК и керосином: 45195/(45195+573000) = 0.073.
Вытеснительная первая ступень на той-же топливной паре, изготовленная из Al-Li сплавов будет иметь массовое совершенство около 0.1, проигрыш в УИ составит не более 10 сек, а при использовании соплового насадка проигрыша в УИ вообще не будет.

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

А откуда у Вас такая информация по массам F1? Юзер гайд говорит другие цифры.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185600.png) SpaceFlight Insider‏ @SpaceflightIns (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightIns) 9 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightIns/status/846137839939137537)

Rocket Lab acquires additional funding for further development of new launch system http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/rocket-lab-acquires-additional-funding-development-new-launch-system/ ... (https://t.co/dxfTO368kr)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/157307.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab acquires additional funding for further development of new launch system
March 26th, 2017 by Lloyd Campbell

...
Rocket Lab recently secured $75 million in additional funding from a group of investors including Data Collective (http://dcvc.com/), Promus Ventures (http://www.promusventures.com/), and another investor whose name was not announced. The additional funding brings their total funding to date up to $145 million.

Rocket Lab has also announced the opening of a new Huntington Beach, California, office. CEO Peter Beck said: "While we've had a presence in the LA area since 2013, this new facility will enable us to triple our production rate. We're actively hiring for our engineering and business units and we're committed to rapidly growing and scaling in both our Huntington Beach HQ and Auckland, NZ office."
...            

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Разница 12%. Но даже с форсированным утяжелённым Кестрелом массовое совершенство вытеснительной ступени Фалькона будет выше, чем у второй ступени электрона.

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Разница 12%. Но даже с форсированным утяжелённым Кестрелом массовое совершенство вытеснительной ступени Фалькона будет выше, чем у второй ступени электрона.

а ничего что вторая ступень фалкона сама по себе не летает? сил оторваться от земли нет. а чтобы взлететь нормально (и скромно с 500 кг сверху) ее надо тягу усилить в 2.2 раза. и какое для этого должно стать давление и толщина стенок - хз. а в реальности помимо груза надо бы еще вторую ступень тянуть, так что не 2.2 а все 2.5

ЦитироватьFormatik пишет:

ЦитироватьКомодский Варан пишет:
Итак, начнём сверху.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени: 250/(250+2150) = 0.104.
Массовое совершенство второй ступени Фалькона-1 (вытесниловка, та-же топливная пара): 360/(360+3385) = 0.096

Как видим, простая вытесниловская ступень с алюминиевыми баками (даже не Al-Li) выигрывает у супер-пупер навороченной дорогущей композитной ступени с электронасосами по массовому совершенству, но проигрывает всего лишь на 6 секунд по УИ. Вопрос: нахрена тогда оно надо?

Первая ступень:
Массовое совершенство: 950/(950+9250) = 0.093.
Сравним её с композитной первой ступенью BA-2, заправленной ЖК и керосином: 45195/(45195+573000) = 0.073.
Вытеснительная первая ступень на той-же топливной паре, изготовленная из Al-Li сплавов будет иметь массовое совершенство около 0.1, проигрыш в УИ составит не более 10 сек, а при использовании соплового насадка проигрыша в УИ вообще не будет.

Так что, ваши электронасосы вместо ТНА - полная фигня.

А откуда у Вас такая информация по массам F1? Юзер гайд говорит другие цифры.

ЦитироватьНовая Зеландия планирует начать свою космическую программу
 Компания Rocket Lab в Новой Зеландии планирует открыть собственную космическую программу. Об этом сообщает Associated Press.
По данным издания, компания на прошлой неделе получила официальное разрешение на проведение трех испытательных пусков, первый запуск запланирован на 22 мая. По словам министра экономического развития Саймона Бриджеса, этот шаг для страны ​стал действительно «впечатляющим».
Rocker Lab ориентируется на доставку небольших устройств, некоторые из которых не больше мобильного телефона, на низкую околоземную орбиту (НОО). Такие спутники будут использоваться преимущественно для предоставления услуг интернета. Для пусков будут использовать ракету-носитель Electron (РН), которую специалисты компании планируют собирать каждую неделю c использованием 3D принтеров.
Министр Бриджес полагает, что при успешном развитии лаборатории Новая Зеландия сможет стать «технологически подкованной». «Космическая отрасль скоро сможет приносить нам ежегодно сотни миллионов долларов», — добавил он.
Каждый запуск ракеты обойдется в $5 млн, что, как отмечает агентство, крайне малая стоимость для запуска ракеты. РН Electron способна нести до 150 кг полезной нагрузки, она сделана из углеволокна и использует электродвигатель. В отличие от ракет SpaceX Electron используется один раз. Проект получил широкую известность, среди клиентов Rocket Lab такие ведомства как NASA и Moon Express.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/192642.jpg)
  New Zealand space launch has nation reaching for the stars  
 Today  
 
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand has never had a space program but could soon be launching commercial rockets more often than the United States.
That's if the plans of California-based company Rocket Lab work out.
Founded by New Zealander Peter Beck, the company was last week given official approval to conduct three test launches from a remote peninsula in the South Pacific nation. Rocket Lab is planning the first launch of its Electron rocket sometime from Monday, depending on conditions.
Rocket Lab hopes to begin commercial launches later this year and eventually launch one rocket every week. It plans to keep costs low by using lightweight, disposable rockets with 3D-printed engines.
It's a different plan than some other space companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX, which uses larger rockets to carry bigger payloads.

ЦитироватьSpaceflight Purchases an Electron Rocket fr om Rocket Lab for More Frequent, Affordable Rideshare to Space         
May 17, 2017 (http://www.spaceflight.com/spaceflight-purchases-electron-rocket-rocket-lab-frequent-affordable-rideshare-space/) Jodi Sorensen (http://www.spaceflight.com/author/jsorensen/)
                                   
Purchase reflects an increasing demand for mid-inclination orbits from small satellite industry
SEATTLE – May 17, 2017 — Spaceflight (http://www.spaceflight.com/), the company reinventing the model for launching small satellites into space, today announced the purchase of a Rocket Lab (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/) Electron rocket to increase the frequency of its dedicated rideshare missions. The Electron is an ideal launch vehicle for dedicated and rideshare missions, especially those serving difficult-to-come-by launch destinations such as mid-inclination orbits for remote sensing satellites. In late 2015, Spaceflight began its dedicated rideshare launch service with the purchase of a SpaceX Falcon 9 and now expands the rocket partnership to Rocket Lab with the Electron.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/234436.jpg) (http://www.spaceflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Electron-at-Launch-Complex-1.jpg)
Dedicated rideshare for smallsats is a new launch alternative that blends cost-effective rideshare pricing (wh ere several payloads share the same launch to a specific destination) with first-class service, typically associated with buying a private rocket. Spaceflight provides multiple launch options to ensure organizations can access space when they need to, at a much lower cost than buying their own launch vehicle.
"There are numerous rideshare launches each year to Sun Synchronous Orbit, but getting to 45 to 60 degrees is hard to find, and can cost the equivalent of buying an entire rocket," said Curt Blake, President of Spaceflight's launch business. "We are thrilled to be working with Rocket Lab to enable our customers' remote sensing missions that require high revisit time over North America, Europe, and the Middle East."
Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO added, "The Electron is an entirely carbon-composite vehicle that is designed to carry payloads of 225kg to an elliptical orbit and up to 150kg to a nominal 500km sun synchronous low earth orbit. We look forward to expanding this relationship and operational manifest with Spaceflight as we increase our market reach and remove the barriers to commercial space."
Spaceflight has launched more than 100 satellites to date from a variety of launch vehicles including PSLV, Dnepr, Antares, Cygnus, Soyuz and others. The frequency of satellite launches, combined with Spaceflight's cross-section of customers and variety of mission-applications, is a strong indicator of the growing capabilities of small satellites and the need for more timely and cost-effective access to space.
The companies have not yet announced a date for the Electron dedicated rideshare mission. Organizations interested in learning more about this and other launch options should contact sales@spaceflight.com.

Цитироватьzandr пишет:
http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5920fb159a79474c8e041e54

ЦитироватьПо данным издания, компания на прошлой неделе получила официальное разрешение на проведение трех испытательных пусков, первый запуск запланирован на 22 мая . 

ЦитироватьMorin пишет:

Цитироватьzandr пишет:
 http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5920fb159a79474c8e041e54

ЦитироватьПо данным издания, компания на прошлой неделе получила официальное разрешение на проведение трех испытательных пусков, первый запуск запланирован на 22 мая .

Читал в другом месте, что пуск состоялся. Но произошел отказ на второй ступени. Почему этот пуск не обсуждается в данной теме? Где-то в другом месте?

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
  http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/forum13/topic16001/

ЦитироватьJeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust)  44 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/875051842966884352)

Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab: we've raised $150M to date, spent less than $100M developing Electron.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67585.jpg) Eric Berger‏Подлинная учетная запись @SciGuySpace (https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/880405735464685568)

"Beck thinks Rocket Lab has now solved the orbit issue." Plans two more test launches in the next six weeks.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/891656572228833284)

Analysis of data fr om Rocket Lab's first Electron test flight in May "could be available" in the next week:
Moon Express dream of lunar mission with Rocket Lab on track (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11896478)

ЦитироватьMoon Express dream of lunar mission with Rocket Lab on track
29 Jul, 2017 8:49am

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/190712.png)
 By: Grant Bradley  (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/author/grant-bradley/)
Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the NZ Herald
grant.bradley@nzherald.co.nz (mailto:grant.bradley@nzherald.co.nz) @gbradleynz (http://www.twitter.com/@gbradleynz)

 
A private company planning a Moon mission involving New Zealand's Rocket Lab says it still hopes to reach the lunar surface by as early as the end of the year.

Florida-based Moon Express signed a deal with Rocket Lab in 2015 and if it can reach the Moon by the end of the year and accomplish a number of tasks it could win US$20 million ($26m).

Its robotic lander would be blasted into orbit aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket.

Спойлер

The MX-1 lunar lander is reportedly about 1.8m tall, weighs about 250kg and would fly to the moon over about four days after being delivered into high earth orbit by the Electron.

The US$20 million Google Lunar XPRIZE will go to the first private operation to place a spacecraft on the Moon's surface, travel 500m and transmit high-definition video and images back to Earth.

Rocket Lab says it is still the plan to get Moon Express into orbit by the end of the year. However, that will depend on as yet unproven technology to work.

Rocket Lab is in the early stages of a three-vehicle test programme and Moon Express is still developing its lander at its facilities at Cape Canaveral, from wh ere Apollo missions were launched.

Rocket Lab's first test launch successfully made it to space in late May. The first stage performed as it should but the second stage failed to deliver the payload to orbit.

Results of data analysis from the test flight could be available some time next week.

Earlier this month Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck said the company and its investors had confidence in the programme and they had another five rockets in various stages of production.

Beck said then a second test launch was about two or three months away and the company hoped to get its commercial launches underway as soon as it was satisfied with the test programme.

Moon Express unveiled design details for its lunar spacecraft at a hearing held by the House Science, Space and Technology Committee last week.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/232151.jpg)

It said it was planning three missions to the moon by the end of 2020, with the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent station near the moon's south pole and returning lunar dust and rock samples to Earth for analysis of minerals.

The company says the initial Lunar Scout expedition - as early as this year - will be the first commercial voyage to the Moon.

"This historic expedition will demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of entrepreneurial approaches to space exploration, carrying a diverse manifest of payloads including the International Lunar Observatory," it said.

"Our goal is to open the lunar frontier for all of us, ultimately expanding Earth's economic and social spheres to our eighth continent, the Moon."

The company was awarded US$1 million by Google earlier this year as the only team to flight test a prototype of its lander.

In 2015 Rocket Lab and Moon Express signed a deal for three launches aboard the Electron.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьPlans two more test launches in the next six weeks.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 53 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894439388507103234)

Our engineering team have completed the internal data review from #ItsaTest (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsaTest?src=hash) launch. Full details available -
https://www.rocketlabusa.com/latest/rocket-lab-completes-post-flight-analysis/

ЦитироватьRocket Lab Completes Post-Flight Analysis
POSTED ON 7 AUGUST 2017

Rocket Lab has completed an internal review of data from its May 25 test flight of its Electron rocket. The review found the launch had to be terminated due to an independent contractor's ground equipment issue, rather than an issue with the rocket. Rocket Lab's investigation board has identified the root causes and corrective actions.

Спойлер

The Federal Aviation Administration, the primary body responsible for licensing the launch, has overseen Rocket Lab's comprehensive investigation and will review the findings.

Rocket Lab's engineers have spent the last two months working through an extensive fault tree analysis to ensure all factors that may have influenced the outcome of the launch were thoroughly evaluated. The investigation involved the review of over 25,000 channels of data collected during the flight in addition to extensive testing at Rocket Lab facilities in California and New Zealand.

Rocket Lab's investigation team determined the launch, named 'It's a Test', was terminated due to a data loss time out, which was caused by misconfiguration of telemetry equipment owned and operated by a third-party contractor who was supporting the launch from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1.

Four minutes into the flight, at an altitude of 224 km, the equipment lost contact with the rocket temporarily and, according to standard operating procedures, range safety officials terminated the flight. Data, including that from Rocket Lab's own telemetry equipment, confirmed the rocket was following a nominal trajectory and the vehicle was performing as planned at the time of termination.

"We have demonstrated Electron was following its nominal trajectory and was on course to reach orbit," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO. "While it was disappointing to see the flight terminated in essence due to an incorrect tick box. We can say we tested nearly everything, including the flight termination system. We were delighted with the amount of data we were able to collect during an exceptional first test launch.

Rocket Lab's telemetry systems provided data verifying Electrons capabilities and providing us with high confidence ahead of our second test flight. The call to terminate a launch would be tough for anyone, and we appreciated the professionalism of the flight safety officials involved."

The telemetry data loss that led to the termination of the flight has been directly linked to a key piece of equipment responsible for translating radio signals into data used by safety officials to track the vehicle performance. It was discovered a contractor failed to enable forward error correction on this third-party device causing extensive corruption of received position data. The failure was first indicated by the fact that Rocket Lab's own equipment did not suffer similar data loss during launch. Further confirmation of the cause was demonstrated when replaying raw radio-frequency data - recorded on launch day - through correctly configured equipment also resolved the problem.

The fix for the issue is simple and corrective procedures have been put in place to prevent a similar issue in future. No major changes to the Electron launch vehicle hardware have been required and the company has authorized the production of four additional launch vehicles as it prepares for commercial operations ahead of the test flight program. Rocket Lab's second Electron rocket, named 'Still Testing', is undergoing final checks and preparations ahead of being shipped to Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 shortly.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 45 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894440381663690752)

#ItsaTest (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsaTest?src=hash) launch had to be terminated due to misconfigured ground equipment owned and operated by a third-party contractor.


42 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894441092988272640)

#ItsaTest (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsaTest?src=hash) Electron rocket was following a nominal trajectory and was performing as planned at the time of termination. The fix is simple.


22 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894446001481592832)

No major changes to Electron launch vehicle hardware are required. Build of rockets four – six has been authorized!

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 25 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894449577490759680)

The name of Rocket Lab's second Electron vehicle – Still Testing.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 29 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894451092884410368)

The roll was within limits - we're updating parameters and tightening our bounds ahead of flight two.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186008.jpg) Roberto Mastri‏ @RobertoMastri (https://twitter.com/RobertoMastri) 1 ч назад (https://twitter.com/RobertoMastri/status/894453438423207936)

Great! Can you tell, approximately, when it will be launched?


 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 25 мин назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894466730059104256)

We're looking to roll the rocket out to the pad in around eight weeks!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)  6m6 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/894508185314246656)

Rocket Lab is giving away a 3U CubeSat launch @SmallSat (https://twitter.com/SmallSat) this week! Come see us in booth 97 to enter the competition and meet our team.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894542714947067905)

Rocket Lab plans a second Electron launch no sooner than early October; if successful, they'll go directly into commercial service.

ЦитироватьTelemetry glitch kept first Electron rocket from reaching orbit
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — August 7, 2017

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155731.jpg)
The first Electron rocket lifts off from Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site May 25. Credit: Rocket Lab

LOGAN, Utah — Rocket Lab blamed the failure of its first Electron rocket to reach orbit on a telemetry glitch in ground equipment that can be easily corrected, keeping the company on track to begin commercial launches by the end of this year.

In a statement released late Aug. 6, the U.S.-New Zealand company said its Electron rocket was flying as planned on its May 25 inaugural launch when a dropout of telemetry from the vehicle required range safety officials to terminate the flight four minutes after liftoff, at an altitude of 224 kilometers.

Спойлер

The company said that a third-party contractor supporting the launch misconfigured ground equipment that translated radio signals from the rocket into data used by range safety officials. That caused "extensive corruption of received position data," resulting in the data loss that led safety officials to trigger the rocket's flight termination system.

"It's a very, very easy thing to fix. You literally tick a box in some software," said Peter Beck, chief executive of Rocket Lab, in an Aug. 6 interview during the 31st Annual Conference on Small Satellites here. "It's more about working with our contractors to ensure that we have better oversight of their services."

The company did not disclose the name of the contractor who made the software configuration error. Beck did say that Rocket Lab would continue to use that company on its future launches.

Rocket Lab's separate telemetry stream, unaffected by the software glitch, showed that the rocket was performing as planned up until the flight was terminated. "We have demonstrated Electron was following its nominal trajectory and was on course to reach orbit," Beck said in the company's statement.

In the interview, Beck noted that the company found the problem "very quickly" when reviewing the data collected from the launch. He said the company waited until now to disclose the cause until it completed a review of all the data. "We had to explore all of the possible branches of the fault tree" of possible causes of the failure, he said.

That review found no issues with the vehicle during the launch that require changes to future Electron vehicles. "We were very happy with the vehicle and the vehicle's performance," he said. "There's almost no hardware changes."

The second Electron, Beck said, will be rolled out to its New Zealand launch pad in about eight weeks, or early October. "There's still quite some preparation of the launch vehicle once it's on the pad," he said. "Hopefully we'll turn it a bit quicker this time."

That launch, like the first, will be a test flight without a commercial payload. Rocket Lab originally planned to carry out three test flights of the Electron before starting commercial missions, but Beck said that if the next launch is a complete success, the company will skip the third test flight and move into commercial missions.

"Running another test flight won't actually achieve much for us other than statistics," he said. "Provided the second test flight goes well then we'll accelerate directly into commercial operations."

That schedule, he said, would allow a first commercial launch by the end of the year. That schedule is particularly essential to Moon Express, which plans to launch its MX-1E lunar lander on an Electron to compete for the Google Lunar X Prize. The prize rules require teams to launch their landers by the end of this year.

"We're in a good position to fulfill that customer, for sure," Beck said of Moon Express.

Other customers on Rocket Lab's manifest will likely slip to 2018. One customer, NASA, had awarded Rocket Lab will a Venture Class Launch Services contract in late 2015. Earlier this summer NASA said that mission, designated by the agency as Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) 19, was scheduled for November. In several presentations at a pre-conference workshop here Aug. 5 and 6, organizations developing cubesats that will fly on ELaNa 19 said they expected the launch to take place some time in early 2018.

Beck said that the company's goal for 2018 was to perform one Electron launch a month. However, he acknowledged, "it will take us a while to get to one a month" as it ramps of production at facilities in New Zealand and California.

Despite not making it to orbit on the first Electron, Beck said he was "immensely proud" of what the company has accomplished. "The vehicle performed very well, and now we're just cruising home to orbit," he said.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 21 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894604294321721344)

Skrobot showed chart of upcoming Educational Launch of Nanosatellites missions. (Some dates will change...) #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/165642.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 46 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894973843336380416)

Peter Beck, on difficulties building Rocket Lab's launch site: if anyone is thinking about building own pad, I advise against it. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)


43 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894974725658624000)

Beck: all 9 Rutherford engines in Electron 1st stage performed above targets. Second stage engine also worked normally. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)


41 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894975064629624832)

Beck: estimated rocket would have reached 508x290 km orbit if not terminated; goal was 500x300 km. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)


38 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894975989515599872)

Beck: Rocket Lab giving away 3U cubesat assignment on future flight at the conference to the "coolest" payload. (He judges that.) #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)


34 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894976829743800320)

Beck: goal of doing weekly launches; might be tough if smallsat constellations go away but still see significant demand. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 35 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894977589172764676)

For those interested in mission patches, the one for Rocket Lab's 2nd launch, called "Still Testing." #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/165736.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/896817650701139969)

Rocket Lab finishes test flight inquiry, plans second Electron launch later this year. https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/13/rocket-lab-finishes-test-flight-inquiry-plans-second-launch-later-this-year/ ... (https://t.co/pLRHnwFLCJ)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/166038.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab finishes test flight inquiry, plans second launch later this year
August 13, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/) Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

The inaugural test flight of Rocket Lab's commercial small satellite booster in May fell short of orbit because a software programming error on a piece of ground equipment led a safety officer to send a premature termination command, and the company is planning to deliver the next Electron vehicle to its New Zealand launch pad in October.

Engineers identified no significant problems with the Electron rocket's performance on the May 25 test launch, raising confidence in the chances the second flight could attain the velocity needed to reach an orbit around Earth, said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126642.png)
The first Electron rocket took off May 25 fr om a launch base in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab

"We're very happy with the performance of the vehicle," Beck said in an interview with Spaceflight Now. "The flight was a heavily instrumented flight. It had something like 25,000 channels of data and instruments on-board, and the data that we were able to obtain was exceptionally good, and it enabled us to validate all the engineering decisions and performances of the vehicle, the thermal environment, the structural environment."

The collection of vibration, structural and environmental measurements was the primary goal of the May test flight, which lifted off from Rocket Lab's privately-operated launch pad on Mahia Peninsula, a piece of land on the east cost of New Zealand's North Island.

"We captured all the data we needed," Beck said.

The Electron rocket soared to an altitude of 139 miles (224 kilometers) before a piece of ground tracking equipment faltered, erroneously leading a range safety officer to terminate the launch to ensure the launcher did not stray from its pre-approved flight path.

Beck said the tracking system was provided by an independent contractor, but he declined to identify the owner of the equipment.

The ground hardware was incorrectly programmed, according to Rocket Lab, causing position data it received from the Electron booster to be corrupted. The equipment was designed to translate radio signals into data for safety officials to track the rocket, the company said in a statement.

The contractor failed to enable forward error correction on the tracking device, Rocket Lab said.

The tracking hiccup occurred around four minutes after liftoff as the rocket climbed into space on a southerly trajectory from Mahia Peninsula. By that point in the flight, the Electron's nine Rutherford main engines, which generated more than 40,000 pounds of combined thrust at full power, had switched off and the first stage had jettisoned to fall into the Pacific Ocean.

The second stage's single Rutherford engine ignited and the rocket's payload fairing separated as expected before the tracking error led to the premature end of the mission.

Investigators determined that Rocket Lab's own equipment did not suffer the same data loss during the mission, officials said. Engineers also replayed flight data recorded on launch day through the third-party tracking system when it was correctly configured, and the problem disappeared.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126641.jpg)
Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. Credit: Rocket Lab

The flight safety officer inside Rocket Lab's launch control center followed established procedures and sent the command to shut down the Electron's second stage engine after the data dropout.

"Basically what happened is the contractor misconfigured the software, which resulted in the antennas losing track of the vehicle," Beck said. "Of course, when that happens, the flight safety officers who are looking at a computer screen at their console, the rocket disappears off their console, so they had no other option than to terminate the vehicle."

Rocket Lab said it will deliver the results of its inquiry to the Federal Aviation Administration, the regulatory authority responsible for licensing commercial Electron launches.

With a launch base, control center and factory in New Zealand, Rocket Lab also has a headquarters in Southern California, wh ere it is outfitting a second rocket assembly plant. Eventually aiming to launch as often as once per week, the U.S.-New Zealand operates under the regulatory umbrella of the FAA.

"Even though the engine stopped (after the termination command), the vehicle didn't stop," Beck said. "It went on and continued to do all its normal things as it would on orbit. We were able to test absolutely everything, even though we didn't make it to orbit. We tested all the RCS (Reaction Control System) and all the orbital systems, and unfortunately, we also tested the flight termination system, so we can say that we tested absolutely everything on the vehicle."

Some outside observers noticed the rocket develop a steady roll in video replays of the launch. That was intended, according to Beck.

"The bottom line on that one is the guidance team didn't want to over-constrain the roll," Beck said. "The roll is the least damped axis. When you've got nine engines on the bottom, theres' a lot of plume-plume interaction. The nine engines sort of interact with each other, and it's very easy to cause roll torques."

Rocket Lab's guidance team opted to let the launcher roll to a pre-programmed rate, giving engineers a chance to study the torques generated by the interplay of the Electron's nine first stage engines.

"On the next flight, we probably won't run that same algorithm, or we'll keep the vehicle in one attitude, but for us, it was all part of the test program to learn and to characterize all those weird torques that are impossible to try and learn on the ground," Beck said.

The Electron rocket was designed to deliver small satellites weighing up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) to a circular sun-synchronous orbit around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth. Standing 55 feet (17 meters) tall, the two-stage launcher burns a mixture of kerosene and cryogenic liquid oxygen propellants.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126644.jpg)
The first Electron rocket sitting horizontal at Rocket Lab's launch pad in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab
 
The company says it will charge $4.9 million per Electron flight, significantly less than any other launch provider flying today, and offer a dedicated ride for payloads that currently must ride piggyback with a larger payload.

With money from venture capital funds in Silicon Valley and New Zealand, along with a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin and the government of New Zealand, Rocket Lab completed the design and qualification of the Electron rocket with less than $100 million since the company was established in 2006, according to Beck.

A further round of venture capital financing early this year brought the total investment in Rocket Lab to $148 million, valuing the company at more than $1 billion.

Rocket Lab is one of several companies — alongside start-ups and spinoffs like Virgin Orbit and the now-defunct Texas-based rocket developer Firefly — that have been established in recent years to meet demand for launches in the small satellite market.

The second of Rocket Lab's three planned test flights is scheduled later this year. If that launch goes well, the company will likely delete the third demonstration mission, and the first commercial Electron flight could be ready for takeoff by the end of December, Beck said last week.

"We've got the next test flight rolling out out to the pad in about eight weeks' time," Beck said. "If it's a really good clean flight, we'll probably accelerate into commercial operations."

Once Rocket Lab delivers the next Electron rocket to the launch pad, ground crews will spend several weeks readying the booster, rehearsing countdown procedures, and verifying all of the vehicle's sensors and instruments are functioning.

"This vehicle, again, has on the order of 25,000 or 30,000 sensors, so for us these flights are all about gathering data, so there's a lot of 'go-no go' criteria around those sensors," Beck said. "Usually, it takes us a good couple of weeks to get all that buttoned up, and then we'll be ready to launch."

One of Rocket Lab's first commercial missions is set to send a robotic lunar lander into space for Moon Express, a Florida-based aerospace developer vying to win the Google Lunar X-Prize, which requires a successful landing on the moon by the end of 2017.

Beck told Spaceflight Now that Rocket Lab will be able to support the launch for Moon Express this year, assuming the lunar payload is ready, but the company will not rush into the second test flight.

"I'm conscious that these are still test flights, and we operate in a very cautious manner," Beck said. "So if something is looking a bit weird, then we just won't go."

Some changes are in store for the second Electron flight, which Rocket Lab has christened "Still Testing." The maiden Electron launch was named "It's a Test."

While the May 25 launch carried only an inert payload, the next mission will have satellites on-board, Beck said.

"It's mainly instrumented, but we are flying some payloads up, and we developed our own CubeSat deployer," Beck said.

Rocket Lab's CubeSat canister has completed ground testing, and engineers will evaluate how they work on the next test flight.

"It just gives us a good oppportunity to qualify more components and more systems," Beck said.

Beck said Rocket Lab will reveal which small satellites will fly on the next test flight closer to launch.

No major changes to the Electron rocket's basic designed are planned, but Rocket Lab will introduce several tweaks to components on the launcher.

"We had lots of margins on some areas, so we've reduced some thermal insulation in some areas, and reduced some mass and complexity and optimized some things for production, but there are no major hardware changes," Beck said. "We're not pulling out any subsystems or reworking any subsystems. There are some software tweaks, of course, as there always are, but it's not like we had to go back and redesign anything for the next flight."

[свернуть]

Цитироватьsilentpom пишет:
да ладно, так микрофалкон с блэкджеком и батарейками

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏ @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 ч назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/902713171407806464)

Flight two is coming. Successful stage 1 stack test completed. #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash)

Video (https://twitter.com/i/videos/tweet/902713171407806464)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 ч назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/912462423445037057)

Second test flight #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) confirmed to fly payloads for @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) and @SpireGlobal (https://twitter.com/SpireGlobal)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 8 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/912461187652005888)

Inbox: Rocket Lab announces it will carry four cubesats, two each from Planet and Spire, on its next Electron test launch in Oct. #IAC2017 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAC2017?src=hash)

Цитировать http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51554
Rocket Lab to fly Planet and Spire satellites on second test flight
Press Release From: Rocket Lab Ltd (http://www.rocketlab.co.nz/) 
Posted: Monday, September 25, 2017

Rocket Lab today announced it will fly payloads for Planet and Spire aboard its upcoming second test flight, 'Still Testing', from Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand. Rocket Lab's Electron orbital launch vehicle will carry two Earth-imaging Dove satellites for Planet and two Lemur-2 satellites from Spire for weather mapping and ship traffic tracking.
 
The flight is the second of three in Rocket Lab's Electron test program and follows the successful inaugural Electron test flight carried out on May 25, 2017.
 

Спойлер

Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, says carrying a test payload marks a significant milestone for the Electron program, enabling Rocket Lab to gather crucial data and test systems for the deployment stage of a mission. 
 
"We're thrilled with Electron's performance in the first test flight and now we're eager to test the next crucial step – payload deployment. No major changes to the launch vehicle hardware have been required, the third-party error that meant we didn't make orbit has been corrected and we're focusing on the six Electron vehicles in production right now," says Beck.
 
"While we're still very much operating in a test phase and can likely expect a few scrubs during the second test flight attempt, we're incredibly excited about carrying Planet and Spire payloads on Electron. The data these companies gather has an increasingly significant role to play in how we understand our planet and better manage it," says Beck.
 
Mike Safyan, Senior Director of Launch at Planet, says "our companies have long shared an ethos of dreaming big and executing on that vision, so it's only fitting that Planet is among the first payloads to fly on a Rocket Lab Electron. The Electron will be a game changer in a traditionally difficult launch market. We are excited to quite literally be riding the leading edge with Rocket Lab." 
 
Planet's largest-ever network of 190 satellites collects more imagery daily than any other commercial provider, creating a completely new information feed about our world. With this comprehensive and empirical dataset, Planet uses machine learning-driven analytics to create unique insights that deliver crucial market intelligence for businesses, governments, and NGOs.
 
"The ability to iterate quickly and execute on an incredibly high level is core to the success of both Rocket Lab and Spire. 'Still Testing' is a culmination of that work into a single event," said Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire, "and we're proud to be onboard for this inaugural deployment attempt."
 
Spire, the world's first commercial weather satellite constellation, adds two satellites to an existing constellation of Lemur-2 satellites that covers every location on earth over 100 times per day.  The multi-sensor satellites gather global atmospheric measurements for advanced weather warnings and predictions and track global ship traffic for multiple commercial and government applications.

[свернуть]

 
The Electron vehicle for the 'Still Testing' flight is expected to be trucked to Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand, in October 2017 with a launch window to open in the weeks following once vehicle checks are complete.

ЦитироватьNehkara пишет:
NOTAM issued for October 20th to November 8th:

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29257.png)

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/RocketLab/comments/73raw8/notam_issued_starting_october_20th_ending/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/RocketLab/comments/73raw8/notam_issued_starting_october_20th_ending/)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)  Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)  1 ч.1 час назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/920019079632580610)  
Launch Complex 1 as seen from Range Control. Few weeks away from #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) being on site for flight two prep #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash)
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169292.jpg)

Цитировать~20.11.2017 z wyrzutni LC-1 w Onenui Station (półwysep Mahia, Wyspa Północna, Nowa Zelandia) wystrzelona zostanie RN Electron (http://lk.astronautilus.pl/rakiety/electron.jpg). Ma ona wynieść w T+7' 24" na orbitę  o parametrach: hp=300 km, ha=500 km, i=83° pakiet pomiarowy "Still Testing" a także cztery nanosatelity: Flock w (http://lk.astronautilus.pl/sat/flock1.jpg) 1 i 2 oraz Lemur-2 x1 i x2.

Цитировать??.12.2017/??.01.2018 z wyrzutni LC-1 w Onenui Station (półwysep Mahia, Wyspa Północna, Nowa Zelandia) wystrzelona zostanie RN Electron (http://lk.astronautilus.pl/rakiety/electron.jpg). Ma ona wynieść w T+7' 24" na orbitę  o parametrach: hp=300 km, ha=500 km, i=83° pakiet pomiarowy "Still Testing" a także cztery nanosatelity: Flock w (http://lk.astronautilus.pl/sat/flock1.jpg) 1 i 2 oraz Lemur-2 x1 i x2. 

ЦитироватьDo we think this NOTAM is now void because that other notification for a dec7-feb28 window? Or are they two different launches?

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185973.jpg) Caleb Henry‏ @CHenry_SN (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN) 26 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN/status/930179213981863937)

.@RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) says its second Electron rocket "Still Testing" arrived at Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula. Despite being a test, the mission will carry one satellite for @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) and multiple for @SpireGlobal (https://twitter.com/SpireGlobal). Launch date is TBD (photo below is from last year).
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170666.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 13 ч назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/930227765244076032)

Electron has arrived at LC1. #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) window to be announced in coming weeks!
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170685.jpg)

ЦитироватьSecond Electron rocket shipped to New Zealand launch site
November 16, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/11/) Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

Rocket Lab's second flight-ready Electron rocket has arrived at its launch base in New Zealand for the company's first mission to deliver commercial satellites into orbit.

The launch is expected as soon as December, once engineers and technicians complete several weeks of testing on the rocket. The tests are expected to include countdown rehearsals, and possibly a hold-down firing of the Electron's engines on the launch pad.

Спойлер

The target launch date for the Electron mission, which Rocket Lab says is primarily an experimental test flight, will be announced in the coming weeks, the company said in a statement Monday.

Rocket Lab has dubbed the second Electron launch "Still Testing." It comes after the Electron rocket's maiden test flight May 25, which the company named "It's a Test."

"It's a great feeling to have another rocket on the pad," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO. "To be preparing for a second flight just months after an inaugural test is unprecedented for a new launch vehicle. It's a testament to Electron's robust design and the hard-working team behind it.

"The 'Still Testing' flight is a significant milestone in opening access to space and unlocking the potential that holds in improving the everyday lives of millions of people," Beck said in a statement.

Several CubeSats from two California firms will ride to space inside the Electron rocket's payload shroud. One Dove Earth-imaging CubeSat is slated to be on the launch for San Francisco-based Planet, and at least two Lemur-2 commercial weather CubeSats from Spire Global, another company headquartered in San Francisco, are assigned to the Electron's second flight.

A manager at Planet said the Electron rocket will aim to release the CubeSats in an egg-shaped orbit ranging between 186 miles and 310 miles (300 to 500 kilometers) above Earth inclined 83 degrees to the equator.

Rocket Lab, Planet and Spire announced the agreement to fly the CubeSats on the Electron test flight in September.

"We're thrilled with Electron's performance in the first test flight and now we're eager to test the next crucial step – payload deployment," Beck said. "No major changes to the launch vehicle hardware have been required, the third-party error that meant we didn't make orbit has been corrected and we're focusing on the six Electron vehicles in production right now."

The Electron soared to an altitude of 139 miles (224 kilometers) on the May 25 test flight. The first stage completed its burn as designed, then separated before the Electron's second stage ignited and the vehicle's payload shroud jettisoned to fall into the Pacific Ocean.

Rocket Lab said a piece of ground equipment supplied by a third party malfunctioned during the launch, losing track of the launcher and prompting a safety officer to send a command to terminate the mission to ensure the rocket did not stray from its pre-approved trajectory.

A review of telemetry data from the rocket showed it performed normally, with no indications of a problem that would have prevented it from reaching the velocity required to enter orbit.

No satellites were aboard the Electron launch in May.

Rocket Lab says there is a high likelihood of delays during the second Electron campaign as officials wait for favorable weather and ensure the rocket is ready for liftoff.

"While we're still very much operating in a test phase and can likely expect a few scrubs during the second test flight attempt, we're incredibly excited about carrying Planet and Spire payloads on Electron," Beck said. "The data these companies gather has an increasingly significant role to play in how we understand our planet and better manage it."

Beck told Spaceflight Now in August that he expects Rocket Lab will provide a live webcast of the second Electron test flight. The company restricted access to live video from the remote New Zealand launch base on the maiden test flight.

Rocket Lab operates Launch Complex 1 on Mahia Peninsula on the eastern coast of New Zealand's north island, located about 235 miles (380 kilometers) southeast of Auckland, home of Rocket Lab's design, manufacturing and control centers.

The company has its global headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, and plans to produce rockets there in the future. Rocket Lab's Electron flights are conducted under the regulatory umbrella of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The light-class Electron rocket is capable of placing up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of payloads in a circular sun-synchronous orbit around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth. The two-stage launcher stands 55 feet (17 meters) tall and burns a mixture of kerosene and cryogenic liquid oxygen propellants with nine Rutherford first stage engines and a single Rutherford powerplant on the upper stage.

The Rutherford engine uses electric turbopumps, a technological first in the space launch industry, and was developed in-house at Rocket Lab.

The company says it will charge $4.9 million per Electron flight once the booster begins regular launches, significantly less than any other launch provider flying today. The Electron is sized to offer a dedicated ride for payloads that currently must ride piggyback with a larger payload.

With money from venture capital funds in Silicon Valley and New Zealand, along with a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin and the government of New Zealand, Rocket Lab completed the design and qualification of the Electron rocket with less than $100 million since the company was established in 2006, according to Beck.

A further round of venture capital financing early this year brought the total investment in Rocket Lab to $148 million, valuing the company at more than $1 billion.

Rocket Lab's competitors in the light launch market include Virgin Orbit, which is developing an air-dropped liquid-fueled rocket in the same class as the Electron.

[свернуть]

Цитировать  (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186171.jpg) Planet‏Подлинная учетная запись @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planetlabs/status/933099303492448258)

Meet Dove Pioneer. https://www.planet.com/pulse/meet-dove-pioneer/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social ... (https://t.co/4sgLHKoihk)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171250.jpg)

Цитировать

Meet Dove Pioneer

Mike Safyan (https://www.planet.com/pulse/author/misha/) | November 21, 2017

Last month, the Planet team successfully integrated one of our Dove satellites into a Rocket Lab Maxwell deployer to be flown on the 2nd orbital flight (aka "Still Testing") of Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle. The launch is currently scheduled for December of this year and the rocket will drop off the Dove into a 300 x 500 km, 83 degree inclination orbit.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/187233.jpg)
Planet's Michael Soulage integrates Dove Pioneer into the Maxwell deployer

 
This Dove has been officially designated "Dove Pioneer," and the name has several points of significance for us. On the one hand, it's a nod to the awe-inspiring series of Pioneer missions conducted by NASA in the 50s, 60s and 70s. There is often a lot of buzz about NewSpace and how small satellites and small launch vehicles are changing the industry, but we owe a great deal of our success to the amazing space pioneers that preceded us. We stand on the shoulders of giants.

On the other hand, Planet and Rocket Lab really are on the precipice of pioneering something historic in the space industry. Planet has been launching and operating record-breaking numbers of satellites for the last several years, and Rocket Lab is at the forefront of providing low-cost, frequent, and mission-tailored access to space, further enabling game-changing small satellite architectures such as Planet's.

Our brave Dove Pioneer will be on the first Rocket Lab launch to carry commercial payloads, paving the way for more missions to come. Stay tuned to @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) and @rocketlab (https://twitter.com/rocketlab) on Twitter for further mission updates.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/933103725056368640)

Getting acquainted with Dove Pioneer. Thrilled to be launching @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) on #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) soon.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 27 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/935920427548815360)

On December 8 NZST, Rocket Lab will open a 10 day window in which our team will attempt to launch our second Electron rocket, Still Testing.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171003.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 16 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/935923479794159617)

#StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) will be the first #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) launch to be live streamed. We can't wait to share it with you. Stream will become available at http://www.rocketlabusa.com  (https://t.co/hU4XnMlhTJ) minutes before a launch attempt.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171004.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg) Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1) 37 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/935919236454764546)

Rocket Lab says the 10-day launch window for the second Electron test launch begins Dec. 8 (New Zealand time). First day's launch window opens at 8:30pm EST Dec. 7.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab (https://www.facebook.com/RocketLabUSA/?hc_ref=ARTG4YXvLvx_fsfWDwuqDFsMVs9Kk89oPKA8bqplr0HTIlIH-9zsURhuqjlufCS3_XM&fref=nf) (https://www.facebook.com/RocketLabUSA/posts/1983598308519975)16 ч (https://www.facebook.com/RocketLabUSA/posts/1983598308519975) ·

Analysis of yesterday's launch attempt is complete. The launch was aborted due to rising liquid oxygen temperatures - the result of a LOx chilldown bleed schedule not compatible with the warm conditions of the day. Electron performed exactly as it should by carrying out a safe auto-sequence abort. The fix is simple. Next attempt tomorrow! Stay tuned for updates.

ЦитироватьЧебурашка (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/14248/) пишет:
Так этой ночью летим?

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 30 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/941132018640855040)

#StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) launch attempt waived off for the day due to increasing upper level winds. Next attempt tomorrow, pending optimal weather!

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Место не удачное ? Ракета слишком легкая ? Пока тесты перестраховка ?
по ветру и первую переносили много раз.

ЦитироватьЧебурашка пишет:
А сегодня летим?

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 14 мин назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/941493174182096897)

Today's launch attempt has been scrubbed following the identification of a power fault during ground checkouts. Team will work the issue tomorrow before a new target launch time is determined in coming days.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 29 мин назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/941498218587844608)

Rocket Lab delays launch from New Zealand to no earlier than Saturday (Sunday in New Zealand) to resolve power fault https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/10/electron-still-testing-mission-status-center/ ... (https://t.co/qD5CK62dtd)

Цитировать12/15/2017 06:06

Sunday, Dec. 17, in New Zealand is the last launch date available in Rocket Lab's current 10-day launch period. The company says the pre-approved period could be extended into next week to allow more launch opportunities.

The original 10-day period, which opened Dec. 8, was granted by regulatory authorities overseeing the flight.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 ч назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/941925746838159361)

#StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) launch attempt is now targeted for early 2018. Yesterday's power fault has been resolved, but with only one day remaining in the launch window we've decided to preserve crew rest and come back for an attempt in the new year.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab postpones Electron launch to early 2018
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — December 16, 2017

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/155756.jpg)
The engines on the first stage of the Electron rocket briefly ignited before an abort two seconds from liftoff Dec. 11 triggered a shutdown. Credit: Rocket Lab webcast

WASHINGTON — Stymied by poor weather and technical glitches, including one that aborted a launch just two seconds before liftoff, Rocket Lab said Dec. 16 it will delay its next Electron launch attempt until early 2018.

Спойлер

In a statement, the company said it had corrected the latest problem to postpone the launch, a power fault that scrubbed a launch attempt Dec. 14 (U.S. time) from the company's launch site on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula.

However, it said, "with only one day remaining in the launch window Rocket Lab has made the decision to delay an attempt until the new year." The company's original 10-day launch window was scheduled to end Dec. 16, U.S. time, although the company said earlier in the week it had considered working with local authorities to extending that window by several days.

Rocket Lab said in its statement that the decision not to extend the window was made "in order to preserve crew rest," and that a new launch window will be announced early next year.

The company was initially forced to delay several launch attempts when winds exceeded conservative limits set by Rocket Lab for this launch. Conditions improved to permit a launch attempt on the evening of Dec. 11. The countdown was aborted two seconds before liftoff, though, when computer systems detected a problem with the rocket. Rocket Lab later said liquid oxygen temperatures in one of the rocket's nine first-stage engines was higher that allowed, which it blamed on the warm afternoon temperatures at the launch site.

The company rescheduled the launch for Dec. 13, but scrubbed it due to high upper level winds. A Dec. 14 launch attempt was then scrubbed because of a power fault with an unspecific element of the vehicle discovered during ground checkouts.

When it does take place, this will be the second launch for the Electron, a small launch vehicle capable of placing up to 150 kilograms into a sun-synchronous orbit. The first Electron launch in May failed to reach orbit, which the company later said was due to a telemetry problem that triggered range safety systems about four minutes after liftoff, and not a problem with the rocket itself.

This launch, dubbed "Still Testing" by Rocket Lab, does carry satellite payloads in addition to test instrumentation: two Lemur-2 cubesats from Spire, a company that operates a constellation of ship-tracking and weather satellites; and one Dove cubesat from Planet, which has a constellation of Earth imaging satellites.

Rocket Lab originally planned a campaign of three test flights before entering commercial service, but the company said that if this second launch is successful, it will likely proceed directly into commercial missions.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьRocket Lab Abandons "Still Testing" Launch Campaign Until Early 2018
December 18, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/rocket-lab-abandons-still-testing-launch-campaign-until-early-2018/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154157.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DQ9TMkWUMAA2dQP.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is ending its "Still Testing" launch campaign for 2017, moving the second test flight of the company's Electron launch vehicle into early 2018 after encountering weather and technical delays over the course of a week of attempts.

Спойлер

"Still Testing" has the objective of demonstrating the last push to orbit after the first Electron test flight in May managed to reach space but fell short of orbit after taking off from New Zealand.

"It's a Test" (http://spaceflight101.com/maiden-electron-launch-cut-short-by-faulty-ground-equipment/) left the launch pad on May 25, carrying a dummy payload and a plethora of sensors to collect an extensive data set on how the all-composite rocket and all its components fare in the actual mission environment. Although Electron did not manage to achieve orbit when targeting an orbital injection, the flight was classed a success since all critical events including first stage flight, stage separation, second stage ignition and payload fairing jettison could be demonstrated.


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154163.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Electron-Still-Testing-Fired-Up.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab went through the data collected during the test flight with a fine-tooth comb to identify what caused the flight to end prematurely and evaluate any possible weak points on the vehicle or flight design that may need improvement to achieve the final push into orbit. It was determined that the test flight had to be terminated due to no fault of the rocket itself but a very basic misconfiguration of a piece of communications equipment on the ground that caused the signal from the climbing rocket to be lost earlier than planned, prompting Range Safety to terminate the flight.

Analysis was complete by early August and the second Electron rocket traveled from the company's manufacturing base near Auckland to the Mahia launch site in the first half November. Assembly of the two stage rocket and integration of the CubeSat Deployers set the stack up for final acceptance tests before Electron moved to the launch pad for a Wet Dress Rehearsal on November 30 in preparation for a launch period of December 8 through 18 with daily launch windows stretching from 1:30 to 5:30 UTC (2:30-6:30p.m. local time).

Due to unfavorable upper level winds, Rocket Lab pushed the mission to a launch target of Monday, December 11, but that attempt was halted due to weather conditions and orbital traffic in the form of the International Space Station that left only six minutes of usable window time. Engineers re-grouped and pressed into a 24-hour recycle as winds aloft finally shaped up to meet the tight requirements set for Electron's test flight program with future operational missions capable of dealing with a greater range of conditions.

Electron stood fully fueled with 11.4 metric tons of Liquid Oxygen and Rocket Propellant 1 when teams initiated the 12-minute terminal countdown sequence, aiming for a 3:50 UTC liftoff on December 12. The vehicle was handed control of the countdown at T-2 minutes and commanded its nine electric-pump-fed Rutherford engines to fire up at T-2 seconds. Flames erupted from the base of the rocket for a fraction of a second before Electron's computers commanded an abort and shut down the first stage. Launch Controllers at the Mahia launch site and Rocket Lab's Auckland control facility verified Electron was safe before proceeding with data reviews of the anomaly.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154162.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Electron-Still-Testing.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

Data reviews showed the shutdown was triggered due to rising Liquid Oxygen temperatures caused by the rocket's LOX chilldown bleed schedule that turned out to be insufficient for the warm temperatures seen for the launch attempt. Implementation of a procedural fix was straightforward through adjustment of LOX valve cycles to increase the bleed. With the fix in place, Rocket Lab proceeded for an attempt on the 13th but winds aloft once again came in the way of getting Electron off the pad.

An attempt on Friday saw teams proceed into vehicle activation and checkouts despite dicey upper level winds in the hopes of finding a window to safely send Electron on its way but efforts ended when a power system fault was discovered during ground checkouts. It was decided to troubleshoot the issue the following day which led to the successful resolution of the power system problem; however, Rocket Lab also made the decision to end attempts for 2017 and move the rocket back into the hangar for an attempt in early 2018.

Factors that played into the decision were crew rest considerations and the fact that only one day remained in the ten-day window that had been reserved for the mission with local authorities controlling the maritime and aeronautical safety zones around Mahia Peninsula. No new launch period has been reserved for the mission.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154158.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DQzyOdqVAAEiqFA-1.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

"Still Testing" has the primary objective of demonstrating Electron can reach orbit and the flight is also carrying three pathfinder satellites – two Lemur ship-tracking & atmospheric profiling satellites operated by Spire Global and a lone Dove from San Francisco-based Planet as both companies took the opportunity of launching inexpensive CubeSats on Electron to validate pre-launch integration and launch procedures for future launches since both are expected to become customers for regular Electron missions.

Electron is sized for the growing-small satellite market, capable of launching satellites of up to 150 Kilograms in single-payload deliveries and lifting clusters of CubeSats. Rocket Lab plans to charge $4.9 million per Electron flight, significantly less than any other launch services provider currently in operation.

>> Electron Launch Vehicle Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/electron/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/154161.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/electron-rocket.jpg)
Photo: Rocket Lab

Electron, sometimes called the 'first battery-powered' rocket, is the first orbital launch vehicle to rely on electric-pump-fed engines, 3D printing for all major engine components and an all-carbon-composite structure – creating a 21st century launch vehicle.

Standing 17 meters tall, Electron measures 1.2 meters in diameter and weighs in at 12,550 Kilograms when fully loaded with Liquid Oxygen oxidizer and Kerosene fuel – a common and well-understood propellant combination. One of Rocket Lab's flagship developments is the Rutherford engine, the first electric pump-fed engine to reach the launch pad, substituting complex turbomachinery driven by high-pressure combustion gases with a pair of brushless electric motors that drive the engine's fuel and oxidizer pumps.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg) Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 42 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/950087826363834368)

Garrett Skrobot, NASA: our Venture Class Launch Services contract with Rocket Lab is schedule for no earlier than March 2018. Will launch 14 cubesats. #TRBAM (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TRBAM?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight)
Chris B - NSF Ретвитнул(а) Rocket Lab
*Engine Assembly Complete*
"Not quite. You forgot to add the pretty bow."
*Pretty Bow Installed. Engine Assembly Complete*

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)
A fresh batch of Rutherford engines rolling off the line at our Huntington Beach factory. Not long until these are integrated onto our fourth Electron launch vehicle. #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) #Rutherford (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rutherford?src=hash)
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/172842.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)  Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)  
Today marks the beginning of a new era in commercial access to space. Thank you to @planetlabs (https://twitter.com/planetlabs) and @SpireGlobal (https://twitter.com/SpireGlobal) for joining us on this ride. #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash) #PassedTheTest (https://twitter.com/hashtag/PassedTheTest?src=hash)
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173044.jpg)

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Это самая маленькая ракета выводящая полезную нагрузку на орбиту Земли или были меньше?

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Есть японская SS-520-4, выводит аж 3 килограмма и весит 2,6т

Цитироватьпервый вариант так далеко улетел только благодоря самоотверженной работе бортового компа парировавшего отклонения

ЦитироватьSerge V Iz пишет:
или так замысловато летел благодаря этому компу. ошибки типа "обратная полярность" бывают не так уж и редко ))

Цитировать Бодро машинка со старта ушла, надо сказать... Прям как МБР

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Первый в мире жидкостной космический носитель с композитными баками.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Интересно, а масштабировать свое решение они могут? Ну там до 4х метрового диаметра...

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Вся проблема найти этого кого-то.

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
откройте фото РД-191 и Резерфорда
насколько новозеландский двигатель проще

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
масштабировать они его могут только вслед за прогрессом аккумуляторов

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
если надо будет масштабировать в 10 раз тяги, то надо будет переходить как все на газовые ТНА, а ТНА как мы помним очень капризный агрегат, и просто так его не сделать, а если цель еще дешево то совсем тяжко.

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
если будет контракт, то будет иметь смысл делать обычный ТНА,

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
больший электромотор потребует охлаждения например
большие токи потребуют большей силовой электроники
с аккумуляторами так не катит, надо будет тащить с собой лишний груз

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Любопытно что РН не вращался как первая, из этого делаю вывод что в первом запуске что о пошло не так и видимо с равномерностью тяги 9 напечатанных на принтере двигателей, и первый вариант так далеко улетел только благодоря самоотверженной работе бортового компа парировавшего отклонения.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет: Бодро машинка со старта ушла, надо сказать... Прям как МБР...

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет: Ну там до 4х метрового диаметра...

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Интересно, а масштабировать свое решение они могут? Ну там до 4х метрового диаметра...

Для этого требуется найти финансирование для этого масштабирования, если кто-то закажет Rocket Lab сделать большую ракету или предложит длительный контракт на запуски в будущем, они наверняка сделают её лет за пять.
 Вся проблема найти этого кого-то.

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
Берите уж сразу - 12

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Дем , не так не работает к сожалению )
10 раз больший электромотор потребует охлаждения например, а то обмотки расплавятся, или размер станет несуразный, что там с КПД получится ?

Цитироватьбольшие токи потребуют большей силовой электроники, возникнут потери в проводке.

Цитироватьпричем я твердо уверен что для в 10 раз большей тяги и насос и аккумуляторы не в 10 раз надо делать мощнее, а в 11? 13? 15? хз раз.

Цитироватья бы тока за, но к сожалению такая электрическая схема подходит для легких ракет
насколько легких ) ? хз

ЦитироватьДем пишет:

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
масштабировать они его могут только вслед за прогрессом аккумуляторов

Это с чего? Чтобы поднять тягу в 10 раз - надо просто поставить электромотор в 10 раз мощнее и в 10 раз больше аккумуляторов.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
Берите уж сразу - 12

Тогда вместо аккумуляторов придется брать маленький ядерный реактор и делать ступень многоразовой...

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:
А зачем масштабировать такси до автобуса?

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:
А зачем масштабировать такси до автобуса?

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
Надо же Маска уесть, или где? :D

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
Алекс, ежели бы мне вот кто сказал, лет 25-30 тому,
что будут запускаемые с руки электролёты, способные подняться на 5-6 км, и улететь на 100 км по горизонту, а потом вернуться к хозяину

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Просто у них у первых получились криогенные композитные баки, они и интересны...

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:
А зачем масштабировать такси до автобуса?

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
Алекс, ежели бы мне вот кто сказал, лет 25-30 тому,
что будут запускаемые с руки электролёты, способные подняться на 5-6 км, и улететь на 100 км по горизонту, а потом вернуться к хозяину

Это что за модель? Я с такими мощными батареями пока не видел...

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:
А зачем масштабировать такси до автобуса?

Потому что билет на автобус дешевле чем поездка на такси.

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
К сожалению, даже с учётом аккумуляторных батарей эти баки пока тяжелей, чем топливные баки SpaceX. Хотя может быть ещё что-то даёт прирост массы.

ЦитироватьДмитрий Инфан пишет:
Зато наверняка дешевле.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
А работает в фирме всего-то 200 человек

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:
А зачем масштабировать такси до автобуса?

Потому что билет на автобус дешевле чем поездка на такси.

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
И ещё потому, что один рейс, даже маршрутки, даёт выручку раз в 5 больше, чем поездка на такси на то же расстояние, по соотношению затрат.

ЦитироватьPirat5 пишет:
. Двигатели для них (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/953034798443802625) уже готовы.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
А работает в фирме всего-то 200 человек...

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Это главное достижение

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Это вовсе не достижение - они этим специально не заморачивались.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Это просто показывает насколько мало надо народу для создания летающей ракеты при современном уровне развития технологий...

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Думаю, можно и меньше 200 человек - но собственно зачем?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Да что вы говорите, вы считаете, что Rocket Lab могла бесплатно набрать ещё двести человек?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Как это зачем? Чтобы уменьшить затраты на зарплату работников

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Можно думаю, было и бесплатно - волонтеров никто не отменял. Но на хрена? Если этих достаточно?

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Ну и какова доля зарплаты работников в цене ракеты? Больше 10 процентов или меньше?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
используя работников, которые будут работать непонятно почему?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
В затратах на производство собственно ракеты, могу предположить, что около 90%.

ЦитироватьАлександр Шлядинский пишет:
Есть тут у нас один Величайший Главный конструктор, который надеется на волонтерах выехать.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
используя работников, которые будут работать непонятно почему?

Кому непонятно? Вам? Ну так волонтеров слава Одину, не вы набираете. А тем кто набирает - вполне понятны мотивы...

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
В затратах на производство собственно ракеты, могу предположить, что около 90%.

Обоснуй с какого перепугу...

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Чисто за ради фана за живую ракету подержаться...

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
Тех, кто будет заниматься работой с такой мотивацией к ракете подпускать нельзя.

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
В один прекрасный день он вам заявляет, что разуверился в вашей ракетной религии, решил основать свою и от вас уходит. Заявит и уйдёт.
 У вас не будет человека, который выполнял часть работ.

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:
В Rocket Lab работает около 200 человек, если они получают заработную плату примерно как начинающий специалист SpaceX, т. е. около шестидесяти тысяч долларов в год, то при моей оценке доли заработной платы в 90%, суммарные затраты на производство ракет примерно 13,3 миллиона долларов, если ещё 50% остальные затраты на содержание фирмы, то общие затраты на Rocket Lab составят 20 миллионов долларов в год.
 Это примерно равно выручке от четырёх запусков их ракеты.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
какова же тогда себестоимость самой ракеты

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
и увидим мы Электрон 1.1, 1.2, FT а там глядишь и Электрон Хеви подтянется

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Ну, во первых, вряд ли они так плохо зарабатывают. В Новой Зеландии довольно высокие зарплаты. Во вторых - они пока что все равно живут в долг, потому как стартап. Ну и в третьих - какова же тогда себестоимость самой ракеты? Если её продают приблизительно за 5 миллионов (на самом деле чуть меньше)...

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Хэви - им точно незачем

Цитироватьtestest пишет:
У них основной офис давно в США. И какими бы хорошими ни были зарплаты в НЗ, хорошие они там по сравнению с нами, а не с США.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Крупные кубсаты - их потолок...

ЦитироватьПлейшнер пишет:
150 кг на ССО это уже не кубсат а вполне себе микроспутник

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
На 150кг уже можно нормальные СБ и ионник присобачить... На кубиках это пока как-то неубедительно выглядит...
               
                  

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Max. Payload 225 kg
 Если быть точнее

ЦитироватьNOMINAL PAYLOAD150 kg


NOMINAL SUN-SYNC. ORBIT500 km

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Тут обнаружил прекрасное
Если у СпХ это Rocket Cows, то у РокетЛаб мужик с бутылкой самогонки
 https://www.rocketlabusa.com/launch/mahia-information/

ЦитироватьExploreR пишет:
Просьба уточнить - этот пуск для мировой космической статистики - американский ?

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Электрон Хеви подтянется

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьSGS_67 пишет:
И ещё потому, что один рейс, даже маршрутки, даёт выручку раз в 5 больше, чем поездка на такси на то же расстояние, по соотношению затрат.

Но не всем подходит... И потому такси бессмертны...

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет: 

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет: 
Электрон Хеви подтянется 

Электрон Хэви - это Мюон.

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Meet our new kick stage, as launched on # StillTesting . Powered by Rocket Lab's new 3D printed Curie engine, it's designed to circularize payload orbits and perform multiple burns to deploy numerous satellites into different orbits.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Meet our new kick stage, as launched on # StillTesting . Powered by Rocket Lab's new 3D printed Curie engine, it's designed to circularize payload orbits and perform multiple burns to deploy numerous satellites into different orbits.

О как... Эти тихушники блок довыведения забацали... Молодцы, что тут скажешь...

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Т.е. не стали возиться с повторным включением?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Т.е. не стали возиться с повторным включением?

У них верхняя ступень имеет массу больше полезной нагрузки.

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Т.е. не стали возиться с повторным включением?

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Ну, и что?

ЦитироватьHrono пишет:

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Ну, и что?

Как это что? Они собрались доставлять полезную нагрузку к Луне.

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Электрон Хеви подтянется

Электрон Хэви - это Мюон.

ЦитироватьДмитрий В. пишет:
Но сейчас-то выводили на НОО, а не к Луне.

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:
Хэви - им точно незачем

СпХ Хеви тоже не особо зачем ))
так просто - потому что могем!!!
шутка.

Соглашусь что ЭлектронХеви не стоит ждать )

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьПлейшнер   пишет:
150 кг на ССО это уже не кубсат а вполне себе микроспутник

Так они не по одному пускают... Парочка каких-нибудь 6U - и привет... Но можно, конечно и моногруз, микроспутник какой... На 150кг уже можно нормальные СБ и ионник присобачить... На кубиках это пока как-то неубедительно выглядит...

ЦитироватьExploreR пишет:
Просьба уточнить - этот пуск для мировой космической статистики - американский ?

ЦитироватьВепрь Ы пишет:

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет: 
Потому что билет на автобус дешевле чем поездка на такси.

Тем не менее такси почему-то не вымирают и сосуществуют с автобусами.

Цитировать Здорово, если всем 150 пассажирам нужно на 300х500 км. А если кому-то нужно туда, кому-то - на 250х1500, кому-то ещё куда? 

ЦитироватьВакуум для многих кубсатов - не самоцель.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab reaches 500 Rutherford engine test fires
 
Huntington Beach, California and Auckland, New Zealand January 31, 2018:

Rocket Lab, a US aerospace company with operations in New Zealand, has this month completed its 500th test fire of the orbital-class Rutherford rocket engine.

Designed and manufactured in-house by Rocket Lab, development of the 3D printed, electric turbo-pump fed Rutherford engine began in 2013, with the first test fire taking place in December of the same year. The engines attained flight heritage during Rocket Lab's first test flight in May 2017.

Спойлер

The 500th Rutherford test fire burned for a duration of 100 seconds. The milestone firing brings the Rutherford engine series to 19,000 seconds (more than 300 minutes) of cumulative firing time since the first hot fire test in December 2013.

"The Rutherford engine was designed from the beginning to be both high performing and fast to manufacture on a mass scale," said Lachlan Matchett, Vice President of Propulsion. "By enabling faster, scalable engine production we speed up production of the whole vehicle. We can print an entire engine in as little as 24 hours. This allows us to build and launch at unprecedented frequencies to democratize access to space, enabling the creation of crucial orbital infrastructure."

Rocket Lab has produced a total of 40 flight-ready engines to date, and aims to produce another 100 engines by the end of this year. The Rutherford engine's production scalability is facilitated by additive manufacturing, or 3D printed, primary components. With a 3D printed combustion chamber, injectors, pumps, and main propellant valves, Rutherford has the most 3D printed components of any rocket engine in the world.

The in-house design also features the use of electrically driven propellant pumps, rather than turbomachinery, further reducing complexity and build-time. This unique approach allows unmatched precision and control of propellent flow and a significant increase in performance through mass savings.

About the Rutherford engine:

Weighing just 35 kg each, nine Rutherford engines propel Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle to space powered by a fuel mixture of highly refined kerosene and liquid oxygen. Rutherford uses an entirely new propulsion cycle to create outstanding efficiency for a kerosene-oxygen engine.

Rutherford is used as both a first stage and as a second stage engine, with sea level versions on Electron's first stage producing 24 kN (5,500 lbf) of thrust and has a specific impulse of 311 s (3.05 km/s), while the vacuum optimized version operating on Electron's second stage produces a max thrust of 24 kN (5,500 lbf) of thrust and has a specific impulse of 343 s (3.36 km/s).

The Rutherford engine is named after New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford, a Nobel laureate famous for his work in discovering radioactive half-life and being the first to split the atom.

Rutherford engines are manufactured at Rocket Lab's headquarters in California, USA, and shipped to Auckland, New Zealand for testing before integration with the Electron launch vehicle and eventual launch from Rocket Lab's own orbital launch facility, Launch Complex-1, on the Mahia peninsula.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185973.jpg)Caleb Henry‏ @CHenry_SN (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN) 39m ago (https://twitter.com/CHenry_SN/status/960999199767592960)

.@RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)'s Daniel Gillies: next Electron launch (flight three) coming in the next few months. #Smallsat18 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smallsat18?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Verified account @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 8h ago (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/961760342824005632)

We recently completed a successful fit check at our Huntington Beach payload integration cleanroom of the CubeSat dispensers for this year's NASA Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission. Exciting science to be done on this mission. https://goo.gl/EjJw6Y  (https://t.co/JscdDrIzfu)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173531.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab completes fit check for NASA VCLS ELaNa XIX mission

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/240291.jpg)

Early this month, Rocket Lab performed a successful fit check of the CubeSat dispensers for the NASA Venture Class Launch Service flight of the CubeSat Launch Initiative Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission. The fit check was carried out at Rocket Lab's Huntington Beach payload integration cleanroom.

Спойлер

Venture Class launches aim to provide dedicated launches for CubeSats that would normally fly as secondary payloads, enabling these science missions to get exactly where they need to go on orbit.

The fit check was performed between a Rocket Lab Electron Payload Plate - the interface between Electron and the payloads - and a series of Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems and Planetary Systems Corporation dispensers. Teams from Tyvak and Rocket Lab participated in the fit check.

Fit checks provide valuable risk reduction in payload integration by verifying physical interfaces and allowing for a dry run of installation procedures prior to the launch campaign.

The Huntington Beach Payload Integration Cleanroom is a Class 100k cleanroom located in our Rocket Lab USA Headquarters. This cleanroom is used for payloads that are processed in the United States before being shipped to their final launch site, such as Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. The facility will be used for the processing of the NASA ELaNa XIX payloads, which will be integrated to their dispensers in the United States before shipment to the launch site later this year for installation on Electron.

The Electron Payload Plate is a customizable interface which can support a variety of CubeSat and Microsatellite dispensers and separation systems. The Payload Plate can be entirely removed from Electron, allowing for integration to occur away from the launch site, such as in our Huntington Beach cleanroom or at a remote customer facility. Rocket Lab can accommodate both single and multipayload configurations on the plate.

The target launch date for the NASA Venture Class Launch Service ELaNa XIX mission is yet to be announced. The launch will see the following CubeSats deployed:

CubeSat: Andesite
Organization: Boston University

CubeSat: Ceres
Organization: NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center

CubeSat: STF-1
Organization: NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center

CubeSat: CubeSail
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

CubeSat: CHOMPTT
Organization: University of Florida

CubeSat: NMTSat
Organization: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

CubeSat: DaVinci
Organization: North Idaho STEM Charter Academy

CubeSat: Rsat
Organization: U. S. Naval Academy

CubeSat: ISX
Organization: California Polytechnic State University

CubeSat: Shields-1
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center

CubeSat: ALBus
Organization: NASA Glenn Research Center

CubeSat: SHFT-1
Organization: NASA JPL

[свернуть]

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
2497кг тяги, а где-то мощность электрическая насосного агрегата проскакивала?

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Verified account @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 1h ago (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/963506085360357376)

Our third #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) launch is coming up soon (launch window dates to be announced in coming weeks). But what to call this flight...(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125539.png)

[/li]
• NOT TESTING
• PASSED THE TEST
• BUSINESS TIME
  

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Verified account @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 8h ago (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/965431545136693248)

A great stage one stack test completed for our upcoming third flight. Nine #Rutherford (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rutherford?src=hash) engines firing in sync is a thing of beauty.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174053.jpg)

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Да, но снизу тяга будет ограничена нормальным охлаждением КС. Так что дросселировать как водородники все равно не получится.

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Выходит движок тягой 100 т потребует всего около 4000 л.с. электродвижка? Очень неплохо. Можно замену Союзу создавать в 4.1м диаметре.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 13 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/971142853110915072)

Great to have @davincicubesat (https://twitter.com/davincicubesat) team lead Jessica Millard tour our Huntington Beach factory with Mission Manager Amanda Stiles. Jessica leads a team of Idaho high school students launching the Da Vinci CubeSat on Electron this year as part of our @NASA (https://twitter.com/NASA) VCLS Mission. #ELaNAXIX (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ELaNAXIX?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174291.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 25 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/971455716908204032)

Chris Gebhardt (@ChrisG_NSF (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF)) has interviewed Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck. First of two articles shortly. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125484.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174345.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186343.jpg)Chris G - NSF‏ @ChrisG_NSF (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/971460882264928256)

.@RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) is preparing for the 1st operational flight of Electron from #NewZealand (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZealand?src=hash). The mission will capitalize on the successful test flight of #Electron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Electron?src=hash) in January, which saw the unannounced deployment of Humanity Star & the planned debut of the Curie kick-stage. #Exploration (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Exploration?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 11 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/971459468360904704)

FEATURE ARTICLE: Rocket Lab to capitalize on test flight success with first operational mission -

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/03/rocket-lab-capitalize-test-flight-success-first-operational-mission/ ... (https://t.co/Z40XQACDw3)

- by Chris Gebhardt (@ChrisG_NSF (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF))

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174348.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174346.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174349.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174350.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67676.jpg)Michael Sheetz‏Подлинная учетная запись @thesheetztweetz (https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/972254163315945475)

The @FCC (https://twitter.com/FCC) revoked the license it gave Swarm Technologies to launch 4 cubesats aboard PSLV-40 in January – but Swarm launched the satellites anyway. Now the FCC is suspending Swarm's planned launch of 4 more satellites aboard a @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) Electron in April

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67676.jpg)Michael Sheetz‏Подлинная учетная запись @thesheetztweetz (https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/972264162809270273)

Statement from @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) CEO Peter Beck to @CNBC (https://twitter.com/CNBC): https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/09/swarm-technologies-slammed-by-fcc-for-unauthorized-satellite-launch.html ... (https://t.co/2ODiDF7HLk)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174093.jpg)

Цитировать http://spacenews.com/surge-of-new-space-companies-has-impressed-even-veteran-industry-observers/

Surge of new space companies has impressed even veteran industry observers
by Jeff Foust (http://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — March 7, 2018

This article originally appeared in the Feb. 12, 2018 issue of SpaceNews magazine.
....
For example, a growing number of large corporations have established their own venture capital arms used to make strategic investments that can offer companies not just financial returns but access to promising technologies and products.

One such fund is Lockheed Martin Ventures, which has invested in Rocket Lab. "We need low-cost access to space and high potential frequency of access, which would open different mission types," said Chris Moran, general manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures. "The U.S. government was pushing us to have that kind of access, so we made that investment in Rocket Lab in their Series B."
....

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
И каков нижний порог? процентов 40 ?

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/972922529718321152)

Meet Maxwell, our in-house designed and built cubesat dispenser. Available in 1U, 3U and 6U form factors (or larger on request). These are some of the lightest dispensers on the market. Visit us at Satellite 2018 tomorrow to see them. #Maxwell (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maxwell?src=hash) #SATShow (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SATShow?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174483.png)

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
Означает ли нагнетание топлива при помощи ЭД возможность глубокого дросселирования тяги?

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:
Да, но снизу тяга будет ограничена нормальным охлаждением КС. Так что дросселировать как водородники все равно не получится.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/973706806055718912)

It's Business Time. Next launch coming soon. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/its-business-time-at-rocket-lab/ ... (https://t.co/yny51CfjYt)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174524.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186061.jpg)Spire‏ @SpireGlobal (https://twitter.com/SpireGlobal) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpireGlobal/status/973712954435584000)

Excited to be hitching another ride with @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) for It's Business Time!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/973706806055718912)

It's Business Time. Next launch coming soon. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/its-business-time-at-rocket-lab/ ... (https://t.co/yny51CfjYt)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174524.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/973976152309223424)

FEATURE ARTICLE: Rocket Lab manifests third flight, aims for expanded flight rate and launch sites -

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/03/rocket-lab-manifests-expanded-flight-rate-launch-sites/ ... (https://t.co/Gd3MQ49wPe)

Part 2 of Chris Gebhardt's (@ChrisG_NSF (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF)) interview with @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) CEO Peter Beck.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174557.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174558.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174559.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174556.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg) Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 45 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/976578358690463744)

Just a couple of rocket guys hanging out at #MARS2018 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MARS2018?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174430.jpg)

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
tnt22 , какой двигатель мелкий ))
и какой простой.

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:
Это ракетомоделизм.

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет: 
 Но зацени, какие стали модели - аж до орбиты с парой сотен кг на борту дотягивают... Это серьёзный ракетомоделизм...

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:
Дык времена то меняются!

ЦитироватьAlex_II пишет:

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:
Дык времена то меняются!

Ага... Какой советский пионер 40 лет назад мечтал запустить модель ракеты с моделью спутников (кубсаты  ;)  ) на орбиту? Однако ж вот... Будущее таки наступило...

ЦитироватьКомпания Rocket Lab запланировала первый коммерческий запуск спутников на конец апреля
ВАШИНГТОН, 5 апреля. /ТАСС/. Частная американская компания Rocket Lab в конце апреля планирует осуществить первый полностью коммерческий запуск своей 17-метровой ракеты-носителя Electron с несколькими спутниками на борту. Об этом говорится в сообщении, опубликованном во вторник на сайте (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-to-launch-first-commercial-mission-this-month/) компании.
Несмотря на то, что Rocket Lab базируется в США, свои ракеты в космос она планирует отправлять с принадлежащей ей стартовой площадки в Новой Зеландии. 14-дневное окно для запуска откроется с 20 апреля. Ежедневно в течение этого периода у компании будет четыре часа, чтобы запустить ракету по нужной траектории для последующего вывода спутников на орбиту. "Имеющий лицензию на проведение запусков каждые 72 часа пусковой комплекс Rocket Lab - единственная частная стартовая площадка для орбитальных запусков", - отмечается в сообщении компании. Первая ступень Electron оснащена сразу девятью двигателями, работающими на жидком кислороде и керосине. Вторая ступень имеет лишь один двигатель. Максимальная нагрузка не превышает 227 кг.
Впервые ракета была запущена в мае 2017 года. Пуск прошел неудачно - она так и не смогла доставить груз на орбиту. Однако 20 января носитель смог вывести в космос сферу около метра в диаметре, покрытую 65 треугольными отражателями. После этого руководство компании заявило, что готово принимать заказы у частных операторов спутников.
В этот раз клиентами выступили сразу две компании. Spire Global хочет запустить два очередных микроспутника формата "кубсат" Lemur-2. С их помощью ведется сбор данных о погоде, а также отслеживаются передвижения кораблей. Кроме того, GeoOptics, еще одна фирма, работающая в сфере метеорологии, хочет расширить свою группировку аппаратов на орбите за счет спутника, построенного инженерами Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems.
К концу года Rocket Lab планирует запускать по одной ракете в месяц. Сами носители собираются в Калифорнии. По словам исполнительного директора компании Питера Бека, ее цель - закрепиться на рынке малых спутников.

Спойлер

Согласно опубликованным в феврале данным базирующейся в Атланте аэрокосмической компании SpaceWorks, число таких аппаратов, запущенных в 2017 году, превысило даже наиболее оптимистичные прогнозы, но теперь для развития данного направления нужны новые компании. 2017 год в этом плане стал рекордным - в космос с Земли отправились более 300 спутников весом от одного до 50 кг.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьRocket Lab preps for first commercial satellite launch
April 6, 2018 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/04/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/144336.jpg)
File photo of a test-firing of Rocket Lab's Rutherford engine. Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab's first full-up commercial launch is set for April 19, U.S. time, from the company's privately-operated launch base in New Zealand with three U.S.-owned satellites to collect weather data.

The next Electron launch will loft two satellites owned by Spire Global and one for GeoOptics. Both companies are based in California, and are competitors in the market to gather weather and climate information with commercial spacecraft.

Спойлер

The upcoming third flight of the company's commercially-developed Electron rocket will come after two test flights in May 2017 and in January. The maiden Electron launch fell short of orbit due to a ground tracking error that led safety officials to prematurely abort the flight, but the second mission in January successfully reached orbit.

As a bonus on the January test flight, the Electron deployed four satellites in orbit — two commercial CubeSats for Spire's weather data and ship tracking fleet, a CubeSat for Planet's Earth-imaging constellation and a Rocket Lab-owned reflective geodesic sphere named Humanity Star.

Rocket Lab nicknamed the first two Electron flights "It's a Test" and "Still Testing." Signifying Rocket Lab's orientation toward commercial operations, the next mission has been christened "It's Business Time."

The 14-day launch period opens at April 19 at 8:30 p.m. EDT (0030 GMT; 12:30 p.m. New Zealand time on April 20). There is a four-hour launch window available each day.

The Electron rocket will take off from Rocket Lab's space base on Mahia Peninsula, located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.

"'It's Business Time' represents the shift to responsive space," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO. "We always set out to create a vehicle and launch site that could offer the world's most frequent launch capability and we're achieving that in record time."

"Rocket Lab is the only small launch provider that has reached orbit and delivered on promises to open access to space for small satellites," he said in a statement. "We can have payloads on orbit every 72 hours and our rapidly expanding manifest shows this is frequency is critical for the small satellite market."

The two-stage Electron rocket stands around 55 feet (17 meters) tall with a diameter around 3.9 feet (1.2 meters). It's all black carbon composite structure contains kerosene and liquid oxygen tanks that power 10 Rutherford engines — nine on the first stage and one on the second stage — developed in-house by Rocket Lab.

For comparison, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket stands nearly 230 feet (70 meters) tall. The space shuttle's orange external fuel tank measured nearly 28 feet (8.4 meters) in diameter.

But Rocket Lab says the Electron is perfectly sized to haul small satellites into orbit on dedicated, relatively low-cost missions. Officials say that will answer needs of commercial satellite operators, universities and governments trying to deploy payloads on shoestring budgets.

The Electron booster can carry up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) to a polar orbit around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth. The rocket's capacity to a lower-altitude orbit is up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms), according to Rocket Lab.

The rocket company, founded in New Zealand and headquartered in Southern California, says it can launch an Electron rocket for less than $5 million per flight.

Spire's two Lemur 2 CubeSats, each weighing around 10 pounds (less than 5 kilograms), launching on the next Electron rocket will track ships and collect environmental data. The GeoOptics CICERO satellite on the third Electron launch is built on an expanded CubeSat design.

The Spire and GeoOptics payloads will measure GPS satellite navigation signals passed through Earth's atmosphere to derive information about weather and climate.

A Rocket Lab spokesperson said a Curie kick stage will fly with the Spire and GeoOptics payloads. The extra propulsion module, which made its successful debut during the January test flight, will place the CubeSats at their intended altitude a few hundred miles above Earth, after the Electron rocket puts them in an initial parking orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/144337.jpg)
The mission patch for Rocket Lab's third Electron launch. Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab's fourth Electron launch is expected to carry at least 10 CubeSats to orbit for NASA and U.S. research institutions. That flight could take off from New Zealand in the next couple of months.

In a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" event earlier this week, Beck said he expects Rocket Lab to begin generating positive cash flow by the Electron rocket's fifth flight, now that the launcher has finished its development phase.

Beck wrote that Rocket Lab aims to launch once per month by the end of this year, then once every two weeks in 2019. Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 facility on Mahia Peninsula can eventually host launches as often as once every 72 hours, he said.

The company's focus now is on accelerating the Electron rocket's flight rate.

"Our goal from the outset was always to produce one vehicle very well that could be produced on a mass scale," Beck wrote. "It's the only way to achieve the launch frequency the market needs. We're pumping out around one Electron a month at the moment. There will always be continual innovation in all areas of Rocket Lab."

There are no plans to make the Electron reusable or develop a bigger launcher.

"Reusability doesn't scale well for small rockets," Beck wrote. "No plans for an Electron Heavy. With Electron's lift capability, we could have launched the vast majority of spacecraft launched last year. If we doubled the potential payload mass, we could have only launched an additional 2 percent of the market. Doesn't stack up."

Rocket Lab plans to webcast the upcoming mission live online, but Beck said the company — which is based in the United States and falls under U.S. government regulations — is evaluating NOAA's new requirement for commercial rocket companies to obtain a license to broadcast live views from cameras on the launcher.

SpaceX said NOAA restrictions kept it from providing live on-board video during a commercial Falcon 9 launch March 30. NOAA has regulatory authority over commercial Earth-imaging from space, and is tasked with ensuring satellite-based cameras do not record sensitive activities like military deployments.

But live "rocketcam" views provided by launch companies like SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Rocket Lab are low-resolution, and generally have engines or other rocket components in the foreground.

NOAA did not require licenses before numerous previous launches that beamed live video from space, but the agency recently ruled that rocket-mounted cameras constitute "remote sensing systems," and should be subject to the law, which explicitly exempts hand-held cameras like those used by astronauts.

Government missions are not subject to the NOAA rule.

[свернуть]

• Reusability: Is there any future scope for fairing recovery, engine separation and recovery or even landing the Electon's first stage?
• Scaling: Will Rocket Labs remain a small sat launcher or are there aspirations to scale up or enter other fields? (I hope you've reserved "Muon" for a potential Electron Heavy!)
• Market Size: There are a number of small rocket companies entering the industry, is there enough business to sustain them all or will there be a culling in the near future?
• Launch Sites: Lots of countries are interested in launching rockets (e.g. UK, Australia), is Rocket Labs potentially interested and is ITAR the main restriction?
  

[/li]
• 
  spark ignition or something else?
• 
  does the engine rely on any ablative cooling inside the chamber, throat, or nozzle? If so, is it a 3D printed process using the same material as the rest of the body or is it a different material?
• 
  can you give us the area ratios for the booster and vacuum nozzles?
  

[/li]
• 
  What's the break-even point (probably in terms of thrust) between Rutherford and a conventional gas generator or preburner?
• 
  Is the concept applicable to smaller engines that are currently pressure-fed? What about large and complex RCS arrays like Buran's ODU? Is the Curie kick motor pressure-fed?
• 
  Have you looked into other sources of electricity for the Rutherford, such as a nozzle-mounted MHD coil?
  

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
PS такими темпами патриотам надо будет переходить на подсчет выведенных тонн на орбиту, а не на количество запусков, а то стремно будет быть после США, Китая и Новой Зеландии.

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:

ступени понятно 2, никто не будет делать 3 ступень для такого редкого кейса,
Луны планируют достигать топливом в космическом аппарате.

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
We ended up with linerness tanks with common bulkheads that have similar oxygen compatibility to aluminium but much lighter mass.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185826.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/983122778730610688)

Next launch after #ItsBusinessTime (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsBusinessTime?src=hash)? The NASA Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission. Payload integration starts this week at Rocket Lab HQ, Huntington Beach!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/983119307751047168)

At HQ in Huntington Beach cleanroom getting ready for NASA ELaNa XIX payload integration this week!
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162724.jpg)

ЦитироватьВасилий Ратников пишет:
Не понимаю что такое положительный входящий поток денег ? Это у них есть оплаченные заказы на 5 запусков ?

Цитироватьaxxenm (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/57370/) пишет: 
Означает ли нагнетание топлива при помощи ЭД возможность глубокого дросселирования тяги?

Цитироватьоктоген (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/14142/) пишет: 
Да, но снизу тяга будет ограничена нормальным охлаждением КС. Так что дросселировать как водородники все равно не получится.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/996997715908182017)

Another rocket is born. Flight 6 getting ready to move into final assembly. It's Business time launch window coming soon.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/164289.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1000061177450369030)

Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab: should come out of 2018 with 8-9 launches (their June launch will be their second) and double that in 2019. #ISDC2018 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISDC2018?src=hash)

6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1000063075125551104)

Schneider: have an "active campaign" ongoing to find a U.S. launch site for Electron. #ISDC2018 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISDC2018?src=hash)

3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1000063601938522112)

Schneider added that the leading contenders for that U.S. launch site are on the East Coast. #ISDC2018 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISDC2018?src=hash)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab confirms three launches with Spaceflight, including missions for Canon Electronics and BlackSky

Rocket Lab confirms three launches with Spaceflight, including missions for Canon Electronics and BlackSky

Huntington Beach, California, 11 June 2018:

Rocket Lab (http://www.rocketlabusa.com/), a US orbital launch provider for the small satellite industry, has today announced a partnership with satellite rideshare and mission management provider, Spaceflight (http://spaceflight.com/), for three orbital launches across 2018/19.

The first mission, scheduled for the end of 2018, will launch a BlackSky (https://www.blacksky.com/) microsat along with several rideshare customers. The second launch will be a commercial rideshare mission in early 2019. Rocket Lab and Spaceflight have also signed a letter of agreement, which is expected to be finalized in the next few weeks, for a third mission to fly a Canon spacecraft in late 2019.

The three-launch deal cements Spaceflight's first missions aboard the Electron launch vehicle. The missions join a busy manifest that will see Rocket Lab launch monthly by the end of 2018, scaling to a launch every to weeks in 2019.

"We're thrilled to welcome Spaceflight onto our growing launch manifest," says Rocket Lab founder and Chief Executive, Peter Beck. "Rapid and repeatable access to space is crucial for the development of vital infrastructure on orbit, and Rocket Lab is delivering it now. In partnering with Spaceflight, Rocket Lab is offering the long-underserved SmallSat market streamlined launches that enable innovative missions, like those of Canon Electronics and BlackSky."

One of the Electron missions will loft an Earth observation satellite for Canon Electronics. This spacecraft follows on from Canon Electronics' experimental CE-SAT-I which was launched in 2017.

"This launch is very critical for Canon Electronics as we are launching a satellite built with all components made by Canon Electronics," said Dr. Nobutada Sako, group executive, Satellite Systems Lab, Canon Electronics Inc. "Just as Canon provides world premium technologies, sales, and services, we believe Spaceflight and Rocket Lab offer the same premium services to their clients and look forward to a long-term partnership with them."

Melissa Wuerl, Spaceflight's vice president of business development, says adding the Electron to Spaceflight's portfolio of small launch vehicles fulfils a need for customers to access space with shorter lead times. "We are pleased to offer first-class integration services and dedicated launches for our customers on the Electron rocket."

All three missions will lift off from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand and deploy the spacecraft into Low Earth Orbit. Spaceflight has procured the launch capacity on behalf of its customers and will provide mission campaign integration services. Rocket Lab will assist with satellite to launch vehicle integration and will provide the launch service to orbit using the Electron. All payloads launched by Rocket Lab from New Zealand are subject to approval by the New Zealand Government.

ЦитироватьКомпания Rocket Lab запустит малые КА в интересах Canon, BlackSky и других заказчиков при помощи трех пусков РН Электрон.
Агрегатор пусковых услуг Spaceflight и Rocket Lab объявили об организации партнерства в интересах реализации трех пусков РН Электрон. Первый пуск запланирован на конец 2018 года и в ходе его проведения основной полезной нагрузкой будет являться КА BlackSky, а в дополнение к нему на орбиту будут выведены еще несколько спутников в интересах других заказчиков. Второй пуск пройдет в начале 2019 года и в ходе его реализации на орбиту будут выведены КА в интересах коммерческих и государственных заказчиков. Третий пуск запланирован также на начало 2019 года и в его ходе на орбиту будет выведен КА Canon Electronics. Все три пуска пройдут с территории Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (Новая Зеландия).

ЦитироватьRocket Lab to expand launch capability with US launch site

Huntington Beach, California. 10 July 2018.

US orbital launch provider Rocket Lab has today confirmed plans to expand its launch capability by developing a US launch site, with four US space ports shortlisted to launch the Electron rocket. Final selection is underway with Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base. A decision on the confirmed site, to be named Launch Complex 2, is expected to be made in August 2018.

Спойлер

Designed to serve both commercial and US government missions, the US launch site expands on Rocket Lab's ability to provide customers with the rapid, flexible and cost-effective access to orbit needed to support the increasing number of small satellites.

"The development of Rocket Lab's US launch site strengthens our existing position as the industry leader providing frequent and tailored access to orbit for small satellites. Launching from US soil adds an extra layer of flexibility for our government and commercial customers, offering an unmatched ability to rapidly deploy space-based assets with confidence and precision," said Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck.

"We believe the launch process should be simple, seamless and tailored to our customers' missions - from idea to orbit. Every aspect of the Electron orbital launch program is designed with this in mind and Launch Complex 2 is the next step in this strategy."

The four potential launch sites are being assessed against a range of criteria, including anticipated pad construction cost and timeframe, regulatory lead times and ongoing costs once the site is operational. Rocket Lab is considering East and West coast options to explore a wide range of inclinations matched against current and anticipated manifest demand.

[свернуть]

Launch Complex 2 will be designed to support monthly orbital launches. Once the final site is confirmed, construction will begin immediately, with the first mission from Launch Complex 2 slated for Q2 2019. Rocket Lab will construct its own pad infrastructure tailored to the Electron launch vehicle.

The development of Launch Complex 2 will see Rocket Lab continue to expand Electron rocket production at the company's headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, to supply complete launch vehicles for government and commercial customers.

Rocket Lab already has the ability to launch more frequently than any other launch provider thanks to operating the world's only private orbital launch facility, Launch Complex 1, on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand. Launch Complex 1 is licensed to launch up to every 72 hours.

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
 

Цитироватьоктоген (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/14142/) пишет:
Да, но снизу тяга будет ограничена нормальным охлаждением КС. Так что дросселировать как водородники все равно не получится.

И каков нижний порог? процентов 40 будет ?

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
 

Цитироватьоктоген (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/14142/) пишет:
Да, но снизу тяга будет ограничена нормальным охлаждением КС. Так что дросселировать как водородники все равно не получится.

И каков нижний порог? процентов 40 будет ?

А посмотрите на РД-191. +-5% от него предрекаю. Охладитель то керосин, им много не наохлаждаешь. НО мое утверждение не есть четкое знание в данном случае.

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
 Для РД-191 нашел данные ".. Throttle range

27–105%

.."
Что то мне кажется подозрительной цифра в 27%.
Но если она верна,получается по вашему для резерфорда доступен нижний порог в ~22% ?

Цитироватьоктоген пишет:

Цитироватьaxxenm пишет:
 Для РД-191 нашел данные ".. Throttle range

27–105%.." Что то мне кажется подозрительной цифра в 27%. Но если она верна,получается по вашему для резерфорда доступен нижний порог в ~22% ?

Почему нет? Если ставилась такая задача то вполне. Правда, думаю, что все эти повышенные степени дросселирования потребуют конструктива горшка под это дело. Но 3-5% доступных для водородника на керосине если и можно получить, то серьезной ценой за это. В виде тяжелого конструктива.

ЦитироватьThe Rocket Man Giving SpaceX a Run for Its Money

Bloomberg (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMZ7gohGI9HcU9VNsr2FJQ)

Опубликовано: 19 июл. 2018 г.

Peter Beck is the real life rocket man. He loves rockets so much that he started Rocket Lab, a space startup specializing in lightweight, cost-effective commercial launch services. His goal is to make launching rockets into orbit as common as picking up your mail, and he's making progress.

Video by Matt Goldman

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1026499861019914241)

Rutherford is in the house @SmallSat (https://twitter.com/SmallSat) booth 164.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/166950.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1026950243177426946)

Rocket Lab signs agreement for ten dedicated Electron missions with Circle Aerospace. First launch targetting Q4 2019. All will be Electron missions launched from New Zealand.

Presser:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46140.0 ... (https://t.co/PI0KLVXrVG)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 41 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1027558170854612993)

Holmes: we've developed a concept called ELROI that serves as a "license plate" for smallsats: optical emitter with milliwatt average power, pulsing a pattern that can be observed by telescopes on ground to ID them. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)

36 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1027559596544516096)

Holmes: flying a prototype of this on a cubesat launching in December on NASA's Rocket Lab Electron mission. #smallsat (https://twitter.com/hashtag/smallsat?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1029617348234293254)

Yet another set of engines roll off the production line, looks like the team might beat our 100 engine target for this year.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168005.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1039416009625673728)

Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab: planning to resume launches in the first part of November, with another launch in December.
#WSBW (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBW?src=hash)

10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1039416394000097280)

Schneider: looking for a US launch site somewhere on the Eastern Seaboard [i.e., Cape or Wallops], decision should come out "pretty quickly."
#WSBW (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBW?src=hash)

9 ч.9 часов назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1039423702281216000)

Schneider: we're still evaluating Scotland launch site, and no formal decision has been made about using it yet.
#WSBW (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBW?src=hash)

9 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1039425925392355328)

Schneider: critical time in the small launch vehicle industry is the next three years. Guess that up to 5-6 companies "bubble to the top" and fight for market share.
#WSBW (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WSBW?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1042486451345256449)

Brad Schneider, Rocket Lab: will announce the location of our US launch site in the next few days; will be on the Eastern Seaboard.
#AIAASpace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIAASpace?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 16:19 - 19 сент. 2018 г. (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1042553844650012673)

Welcome aboard #KleosSpace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/KleosSpace?src=hash)! We're thrilled to be launching Kleos' scouting mission satellites to form the cornerstones of a constellation to geolocate maritime radio transmissions that will guard borders, protect assets and save lives. More here: https://bit.ly/2NYDgBx  (https://t.co/WW4N3qzEFE)

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ЦитироватьRocket Lab signs contract to launch first satellites for Kleos Space constellation

Luxembourg and Huntington Beach, California. 19 September 2018. US orbital launch provider Rocket Lab has signed a contract with Luxembourg-based satellite technology company Kleos Space to launch scouting mission satellites that will geolocate maritime radio to guard borders, protect assets and save lives.

The Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM) will form the cornerstones of a 20-system constellation that will geolocate VHF transmissions from marine vessels to provide global activity-based intelligence data as a service. The Kleos Space constellation will detect radio transmissions and pinpoint their origin and timing, enabling governments and organizations to detect activity such as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing and piracy, and also identify those in need of search and rescue at sea.

Built by GomSpace, the Kleos Space satellites are scheduled to launch on an Electron rocket from Launch Complex-1 in mid-2019. The satellites will be integrated into Rocket Lab's in-house designed and built Maxwell dispensers and deployed from the Electron kick stage to low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab's unique kick stage, powered by the 3D printed Curie engine, is designed to circularize small satellite orbits and perform complex manoeuvres, including multiple engine burns, to deploy many satellites into different orbits. This provides unmatched mission flexibility, making it ideal for deploying and replenishing constellations.

"Small satellite technology like that of Kleos Space is increasingly playing a vital role in informing decisions on the ground that protect people and the environment. We're thrilled to be partnering with Kleos Space to provide them with the rapid and reliable access to orbit needed to build and replenish small satellite constellations," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab CEO and founder.

"Rocket Lab's technology provides us with the flexibility we need to grow our satellite constellation and respond to the demanding market needs. We are thrilled to launch our first satellites with a new space company which meets our business philosophy", says Andy Bowyer, CEO Kleos Space.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1042892904677629952)

A great 2nd stage test ahead of #ItsBusinessTime (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItsBusinessTime?src=hash) launch. All systems performing perfectly. The stage now heads down to the launch site for the November launch.

Video (https://twitter.com/i/videos/tweet/1042892904677629952) (0:22)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1049066810417397761)

We're putting the finishing touches on our two new class 100k clean rooms at Launch Complex 1 this week. Each clean room is equipped with lifting and break-over tools, and our customers get a great view of payload integration from secure and dedicated customer lounges.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170543.jpg)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170544.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 15 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1050579836563910657)

You may have heard....we opened a new rocket factory today. https: (https://t.co/iA5IP3FmwW)

//bit.ly/2IUIsS8 [/url]

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171365.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171366.jpg)

Цитировать

The future of rocket manufacturing: Rocket Lab unveils new high-volume production facility

The extensive facility expands Rocket Lab's global footprint and enables rapid mass production of the Electron rocket

12 October, 2018. Rocket Lab has expanded its global footprint with the unveiling of a new production facility that rethinks the way orbital rockets are built. The new 7,500 sq/m (80,700 sq/ft) rocket development and production facility in Auckland, is designed for rapid mass production of the Electron rocket. Adding to Rocket Lab's existing production facility and headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, the new facility brings Rocket Lab's manufacturing footprint to more than 4.5 acres and enables the company to build an Electron rocket every week.

Спойлер

The new facility was officially opened on 12 October 2018 NZDT, by Rocket Lab Chief Executive Peter Beck and special guest William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series and films.

"Every detail of the Rocket Lab launch system has been designed to provide small satellites with rapid and reliable access to space. This requires the ability to manufacture launch vehicles at an unprecedented rate, so we've expanded our global production capability to build and launch an Electron rocket to orbit every week," said Mr Beck.

"We have the team, the industry-leading launch vehicle, the global production facilities and the launch sites to liberate the small satellite market. Rocket Lab has opened access to orbit."

Electron launch vehicles undergo final assembly at the new Auckland facility, where all parts go through a streamlined process for testing and integration into the rocket before launch from Rocket Lab's private orbital launch pad, Launch Complex 1, on the Māhia Peninsula.

All Electron launches, including the upcoming It's Business Time launch in November, will be commanded from the new Mission Control at the Auckland facility. This Mission Control will serve launches from Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, as well as Rocket Lab's US launch site, which is currently undergoing final selection. The new production facility will house more than 200 of Rocket Lab's growing team of 330 people. Rocket Lab is actively recruiting for an additional 180 roles across New Zealand and the United States to support monthly launches in 2019, scaling to weekly launches by the end of 2020.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 22 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1052547547410051072)

Can't wait to announce our LC-2 location. What do you want to know about the site? I'll be answering questions at a press conference from 07:00 PDT/10:00 EDT. #AskAboutLC2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskAboutLC2?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1052498157169496065)

Today is the day everyone. Launch Complex 2 location announced at 10:00 EDT/ 07:00 PDT/14:00 UTC. Join us for a live press conference. A link to the stream will be posted as the conference starts.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1052559822950825985)

We are thrilled to announce Wallops Flight Facility as the location of Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1052561988847628288)

We are honored to call @NASA_Wallops (https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops) Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport the home of Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171411.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg)Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1) 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/1052560235368501248)

Rocket Lab confirms its US launch site will be based at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, company's first launch from there set for third quarter 2019.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 28 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052559753082273798)

At the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia for an announcement the morning of a new company launching from the spaceport.


26 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052560240464547843)

And it's official: Rocket Lab is establishing its US launch site, LC-2, at Wallops.


24 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052560737405739010)

Rocket Lab's Peter Beck: we'll be investing more than $20M into the launch site, with first launch planned fro 3rd quarter of next year.


22 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052561355016949760)

Shaun D'Mello, Rocket Lab: this facility will be based on LC-1 in New Zealand, able to support 12 launches a year.


19 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052561921365483520)

Shannon Valentine, Virginia Sec. of Transportation: governor signed a $5M grant last night that will be going towards this partnership.


16 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052562851062304770)

Dale Nash, Virginia Space: significant competition for this from other spaceports, but we worked through all the requirements.


9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052564565337231361)

Why Wallops? Beck: they supported an aggressive time scale, and had the team and infrastructure. It's also a "quiet" range [i.e., not a lot of other launches] to support our desired flight rate.


7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052565011468574721)

Nash and Valentine say exact value of incentives they provided to Rocket Lab is proprietary, but includes not just financial ones but other resources, like an available workforce for building launch facility and operating it.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 18 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052566868299587584)

Beck: amount of launch traffic at Cape Canaveral was one reason not to launch from there; that could change with greater use of autonomous flight termination systems there.


10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1052568931892912128)

Beck: LC-1 pad in New Zealand will be the high-frequency pad for us; LC-2 will be a "boutique" pad for customers with specific requirements. Can serve orbits from 38–60˚ inclination from Wallops.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 52 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1052560843710316544)

Support at least 12 launches a year. First launch 3rd quarter of next year.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171409.jpg)


49 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1052561928696918016)

They will start work on construction immediately. It'll support 30 jobs. It'll closely mirror their current launch site with the integration and control buildings. (LC-1 photo for reference).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171410.jpg)


32 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1052566152872951808)

LC-2 Pad location will be within the fenceline of Pad A - south and east.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171402.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1052595981680697345)

We have officially broken ground at Launch Complex 2! Construction crews rolling in soon. First launch in Q3 2019.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/171420.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab selects Wallops for U.S. launch site
by Jeff Foust (https://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — October 17, 2018

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/191550.jpg)
Rocket Lab and Virginia Space officials, along with other guests, held a formal groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 17 for the company's new launch site, LC-2, at Wallops Island, Virginia. Credit: SpaceNews/Jeff Foust

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. — Small launch vehicle company Rocket Lab announced Oct. 17 that it will build its second launch pad, and first in the United States, at Wallops Island in Virginia.

The company, headquartered in the United States but with much of its operations in New Zealand, said it will build Launch Complex (LC) 2 at the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport, located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility here. Construction of the pad is set to start almost immediately, with the company planning a first launch fr om the site in the third quarter of 2019.

Rocket Lab sel ected Wallops after what Rocket Lab Chief Executive Peter Beck called an "exhaustive nationwide search" for a launch site to complement its existing facility in New Zealand, known as LC-1. The company announced four finalists in July that included Wallops as well as Cape Canaveral in Florida, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.
 
Wallops was the "clear winner" for several reasons, Beck said at a press conference here. "We've got a very aggressive time scale to build the pad, and Wallops had a lot of the team and infrastructure in place ready for us," he said.

Спойлер

Wallops is also "relatively quiet" in terms of launch activity, he said, posing less of a challenge to meeting the goal of supporting as many as 12 launches a year of its Electron rocket. That factor helped rule out Cape Canaveral and its higher rate of launch activity. "The Cape is very, very busy," he said. "That was one of the key critical factors for choosing Wallops."

LC-2 will be built just south and east of Pad 0-A at Wallops, used by Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket, which performs about two launches a year on average carrying Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station. Both Rocket Lab and Wallops officials anticipate few conflicts between Antares and Electron missions, given that the Electron won't spend much time on the pad before launch and Northrop is also working to reduce the amount of on-pad time for future Antares missions.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/191547.jpg) (https://spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/beck-wallops.jpg)
Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, said he envisions LC-2 as a "boutique" launch site for customers seeking to launch to specific orbits, or prefer to launch from the U.S. Credit: SpaceNews/Jeff Foust

Rocket Lab plans to spend more than $20 million on LC-2, which will be based on New Zealand's LC-1 with only minor changes. "There are some small modifications that we intend to make, but you won't see something that looks vastly different," Beck said.

"Philosophically, we won't be changing much between the two pads," said Shaun D'Mello, Rocket Lab's vice president of launch. The company will incorporate some lessons learned, he said, from their existing site in terms of operations and maintenance. "Largely we'll operate the same."

Beck said that LC-2 will be used primarily for customers, like U.S. government agencies, who prefer to launch from within the United States. "LC-1 will remain our high-frequency pad," he said. "For LC-2, think of it more as a boutique pad for customers who want to remain in the United States and if they have a certain requirement around inclination." LC-2 can support launches to inclinations between 38 and 60 degrees.

The Virginia state government will also be supporting the construction of LC-2. Dale Nash, executive director of Virginia Space, the agency that runs the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport, said the exact amount was proprietary, but the figure includes a $5 million grant from the state government that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam formally approved Oct. 16.

"There are economic incentives to get the pad built out" as well as a launch vehicle integration facility, Nash said. He also cited "in-kind contributions" in the form of the local workforce, which has experience building launch facilities. "It's not all money, but money is a key part of it."

Some of the specific details on how the facility will built are still being worked out, he said. "I won't say we have figured it all out, but we have a very good idea of wh ere we're headed," he said. "We know we can go do it."

The new launch site will initially support 30 jobs, Rocket Lab said, growing to as many as 100 once the site's launch rate ramps up towards its peak of one a month. That is welcomed by local and state officials, who have worked for years increase launch activity, and the economic benefits that come with it, at Wallops through efforts like building Pad 0-A for Antares. "This is a real shot in the arm for the Eastern Shore," said Bill Wrobel, director of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility.

"This new business highlights Wallops' reputation as a leader in the space industry and will lead to its continued growth and success," said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in a statement. He, like retired Sen. Barbara Mikulski, has backed the launch site, many of whose workers live in neighboring Maryland. "I will keep working to support this facility and ensure strong federal investment in its missions."

The announcement of LC-2 comes less than a week after Rocket Lab formally opened a new production facility in Auckland, New Zealand. That facility, opened Oct. 12 at an event that included New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and actor William Shatner fr om Star Trek. The new factory, which consolidates several smaller facilities, will be able to produce one Electron rocket a week, the company said.

Rocket Lab is also gearing up to resume launches after an extended hiatus caused by issues with a motor controller in the rocket's first stage engines. Beck said the next Electron launch remains on schedule for November, to be followed by another in December carrying a number of smallsats as part of NASA's Venture Class Launch Services program.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьRocket Lab breaks ground on new Virginia launch pad
October 22, 2018 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/10/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145026.jpg)
Officials fr om Rocket Lab, NASA, and the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority broke ground on a new launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, on Oct. 17. Credit: NASA/Wallops

Rocket Lab broke ground on a new launch pad on Virginia's Eastern Shore last week after selecting the Wallops Island location for the company's first U.S.-based launch site over competing spaceports in Florida, California and Alaska.

The company's Electron rocket could begin launching small satellites into orbit fr om Wallops Island in the third quarter of next year, said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and chief executive. He told Spaceflight Now in an interview that placing Rocket Lab's new launch pad, named Launch Complex-2, near an existing pad at Wallops will allow the company to begin operations there sooner than possible at other locations around the United States.

"Part of the key criteria was being able to push stuff out of the ground very, very quickly, and also have a high flight rate," Beck told Spaceflight Now. "So those were the two prime drivers, and that's where Wallops was able to provide a very nice solution by leveraging some existing infrastructure already (there)."

Rocket Lab's new launch pad will be located inside the perimeter fence of pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, which operates two launch pads on property owned by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, according to Dale Nash, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, also known as Virginia Space, a state agency charged with attracting space business to Virginia.

Construction crews will built a launch pedestal, ramp and mobile gantry at Launch Complex-2 just southeast of pad 0A, wh ere Northrop Grumman's Antares rockets lift off on resupply missions to the International Space Station.

Nash said the Rocket Lab launch mount will be located near a vinyl-lined extension to pad 0A's water deluge basin, wh ere thousands of gallons of water are dumped during engine test-firings and Antares launches.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145005.jpg)
File photo of an Antares rocket at pad 0A, with the vinyl-lined extension to the pad's water deluge basin visible in the foreground. The Rocket Lab launch pad will be built near the deluge basin. Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Pad 0A is one of two existing orbital-class launch pads on Wallops Island. A quarter-mile (400 meters) to the south lies pad 0B, a launch site used by solid-fueled satellite launchers such as the Minotaur family of rockets.

In an interview last week, Beck said Wallops and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, which is managed by Virginia Space, "had a really strong proven track record, and team, of being able to build and rebuild, in some cases, infrastructure in a very expedient way."

Pad 0A was significantly damaged by an Antares rocket explosion seconds after a launch in October 2014, requiring major repairs before launch operations resumed in 2016.

Sean D'Mello, vice president of launch at Rocket Lab, said Electron rockets based from Wallops could place satellites into low Earth orbit with inclinations ranging between 38 and 60 degrees. After an initial launch in the third quarter of next year, Rocket Lab aims to fly once per month from the new U.S. launch site.

"The range is nice and quiet, so we're able to get those mid-inclinations, and quite easily achieve a once-a-month launch cadence, which is what we want to see out of this site," Beck said.

Rocket Lab says the Wallops location will offer U.S. military and other government payloads an opportunity to launch from U.S. soil, instead of having to ship their satellites to the company's current launch base, named Launch Complex-1, in New Zealand.

"We can achieve those mid-inclinations out of LC-1," Beck said. "LC-2, though, gives us the ability to service our government customers, and customers who don't necessarily want to launch out of New Zealand. It gives us the ability to serve those particular missions."

For those familiar with the appearance of Rocket Lab's launch site on Mahia Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Wallops pad will look much the same, officials said.

"The whole reason why LC-1 was named LC-1 was it was always our intention to replicate that pad all around the world, so you'll see more pads from us in the future," Beck said. It'll look substantially the same. We'll roll in some improvements, some lessons learned as we've launched from it, but basically it's the same pad."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143921.jpg)
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket fires off its launch pad on Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand on its first successful orbital flight in January. Credit: Kieran Fanning/Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket stands 55 feet (17 meters) tall and comes in two stages, with an optional kick stage to place satellites into certain orbits. Burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, its nine Rutherford first stage engines and single Rutherford second stage engine, developed in-house, are powered by battery-powered electric pumps.

The Electron booster can carry up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) to a polar orbit around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth. The rocket's capacity to a lower-altitude orbit is up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms), according to Rocket Lab.

The rocket company, founded in New Zealand and headquartered in Southern California, says it can launch an Electron rocket for less than $5 million per flight.

Rocket Lab is one of many entrepreneurial startups focused on launching small satellites into orbit, but it's the first in the current wave of rocket companies to successfully put a satellite into orbit. The second Electron launch in January put four small spacecraft in orbit, following a test flight in May 2017 that fell short of orbit.

Beck said the launch pad in New Zealand will remain the company's primary launch site.

"The pad down in New Zealand is curently locked to launch every 72 hours. That will remain a very high-frequency launch (pad)," Beck said. "LC-2, think of it more as a boutique pad for customers that want to remain in the United States, and if they have certain requirement around inclinations."

One way officials intend to shorten the time needed to build Rocket Lab's new launch pad at Wallops will be to use existing propellant supplies at pad 0A. The Antares rocket uses the same kerosene/liquid oxygen propellant mix as the Electron booster.

"We have facilities in place we can leverage off of," Nash said in an Oct. 17 press conference. "We know how to work with the commodities that are the same as the Electron, the liquid oxygen and the RP-1 refined kerosene, so it's within our experience base.

"We have a very experienced workforce that has built a launch pad, repaired a launch pad, we know we can go do it."

Rocket Lab sel ected Wallops Island after considering other locations for its first U.S. launch site, including Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Beck said Cape Canaveral is "just very, very busy" and is "pretty much a single-user spaceport" when launching without an automated flight termination system, a destruct package used to end a rocket flight gone awry.

While Cape Canaveral and Wallops Island are good launch sites for satellites heading into low-to-mid inclination orbits, Vandenberg and Kodiak offer launch azimuths to the south for missions destined for polar, sun-synchronous orbits.

"I think the mid-inclination (orbits) are very useful for a number of missions," Beck said. "Obviously, sun-synchronous is great for Earth observation, but mid-inclination is really good for communications and a number of science missions. We saw the need for a mid-inclination launch site first, but we'll move into the high-inclination stuff as well."

He said Rocket Lab will continue discussions with other U.S. launch sites for a future polar orbit launch base. Rocket Lab may also develop a launch base in partnership with Lockheed Martin in Scotland.

In addition to the launch pad, Rocket Lab plans to build a rocket assembly building, control center and payload processing facility in the Wallops Research Park adjacent to NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Beck said Rocket Lab plans to invest around $20 million to develop facilities at Wallops, and the company expects to generate around 30 jobs as launch operations get underway there.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a $5 million grant to go toward Rocket Lab's development at Wallops, according to Virginia Transportation Secretary Shannon Valentine. But officials did not elaborate on further economic incentives to lure Rocket Lab to the state.

Nash said the exact amount of economic incentives offered to Rocket Lab is part of a "proprietary agreement."

Meanwhile, preparations for the third Electron launch in New Zealand are advancing toward a planned liftoff in November, Beck said.

The mission was grounded in June to resolve a motor controller issue on the rocket, but engineers believe they have fixed that problem.

The second stage and kick stage for the third Electron mission, christened "It's Business Time," are currently at the Mahia Peninsula launch facility, and the first stage is expected to arrive before the end of the month.

"With the motor controller, we haven't rushed to get back to the pad," Beck said. "What we've, in fact, done is taken our time to really set the business up to succeed in a high volume kind of way."

Rocket Lab opened a new rocket factory in Auckland earlier this month for the assembly of composite structures, and a manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach, California, produces engines and avionics.

"Between the New Zealand factory and the U.S. factory, we're able to produce one launch vehicle every week," Beck said. "We're kind of not looking to the next launch. We're looking to the next 100 launches."

But Rocket Lab's next launch is sure to gain plenty of attention as the company transitions into an operational mode. Assuming the upcoming launch goes well, another Electron flight is scheduled fr om New Zealand in December carrying a load of NASA-sponsored CubeSats into orbit.

"We've got 16 flights scheduled next year," Beck said. "Our goal by the end of next year is to be launching once very two weeks, and as we move into 2020, launching once a week. We're tracking a pretty big pipeline of customers, and we've been very fortunate that people have put their trust in us. For us, it's making sure we do everything we can to deliver these customers' payloads to orbit."

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:
Это чего? Лавры хруников не дают им покоя? Поэтому они тоже после каждого запуска строят новый завод и новый космодром?  ;)  

ЦитироватьQ. Before deciding to build Falcon, did you consider financing an existing venture like Kistler?
A. I looked at Kistler. Their strategy requires an enormous amount of money. I don't think I have the resources to push them over the top, frankly. And I don't agree with launching from Australia. The biggest advantage any U.S. launch company has is access to the U.S. government as a customer. Not taking advantage of that is a really big mistake.

ЦитироватьApollo13 пишет: 
До них просто дошло то, о чем Пророк говорил 15 лет назад.

ЦитироватьThe biggest advantage any U.S. launch company has is access to the U.S. government as a customer. Not taking advantage of that is a really big mistake.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 5 нояб. (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1059289389174448129)

Yet another stage test done! This one left the factory yesterday, hot fired today and is now off to the launch site. The team is averaging a stage test every 7 days right now. The rockets are literately flying out the door!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/172053.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab reaches orbit again, deploys more satellites

Rocket Lab reaches orbit again, deploys more satellites

Auckland, New Zealand. November 11, 2018: Rocket Lab has continued the success of its 2018 orbital launch program with the launch of seven payloads to orbit today. The mission, named 'It's Business Time,' marks Rocket Lab's second successful orbital launch and deployment of customer satellites.

Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle lifted-off from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia Peninsula at 16:50 on 11 November NZDT (03:50 UTC). After first reaching orbit on Electron's second stage, the Curie kick stage successfully separated and circularized its orbit before deploying six satellites for customers Spire Global, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Fleet Space Technologies and the Irvine CubeSat Stem Program. Curie also carried NABEO, a drag sail technology demonstrator, designed and built by High Performance Space Structure Systems GmbH, to passively de-orbit inactive small satellites and reduce space junk.

Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck says the mission marks a new era in access to space.

"The world is waking up to the new normal. With the Electron launch vehicle, rapid and reliable access to space is now a reality for small satellites," says Beck.

"We're thrilled to be leading the small satellite launch industry by reaching orbit a second time and deploying more payloads. The team carried out a flawless flight with incredibly precise orbital insertion. " he says.

Rocket Lab is poised for high-frequency launches in 2019 thanks to production facilities that enable rapid mass Electron production, as well as a private launch complex licensed to launch up to 120 times per year.

"With two orbital launches down for 2018, we're not resting on our laurels. We have a burgeoning customer manifest, so we're moving onto the next mission within a few weeks – the incredibly exciting ELaNa 19 mission for NASA in December."

The full webcast for It's Business Time can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPwMuUxSrcA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPwMuUxSrcA)

For real-time updates on Rocket Lab activities and upcoming launches, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter @RocketLab

ЦитироватьRocket Lab delivers seven payloads to orbit, plans next launch in December
November 11, 2018 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/11/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145165.jpg)
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket lifts off Sunday from Launch Complex 1 on Mahia Peninsula, located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Credit: Kieran Fanning & Sam Toms

Rocket Lab's Electron booster launched six small satellites and a drag sail demonstrator to orbit Sunday from New Zealand, a success on the company's first commercial mission that officials said should pave the way for a launch carrying NASA CubeSats next month and up to 16 flights of the light-class rocket next year.

The two-stage rocket, standing more than 55 feet (17 meters) tall, fired its nine kerosene-fueled Rutherford main engines at 0350 GMT Sunday (10:50 p.m. EST Saturday) and climbed away from Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab's privately-operated spaceport on Mahia Peninsula, located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.

The Electron arced toward the south from Mahia Peninsula, riding nearly 50,000 pounds of thrust from the Rutherford engines during a two-and-a-half minute first stage burn.

The booster shut down and dropped away from the Electron's second stage, heading for a plunge into the Pacific Ocean, as a single Rutherford engine fired to propel the upper part of the rocket and its seven payloads into a preliminary orbit.

The Rutherford engine, developed in-house by Rocket Lab, fired more than six minutes to propel the rocket to the necessary speed to enter orbit. The engine uses pumps powered by batteries, an innovation for a liquid-fueled rocket engine, and all its primary components are 3D-printed, reducing the cost and time required during manufacturing.

Rocket Lab's Curie kick stage deployed from the Electron second stage around nine minutes after liftoff, in an elliptical parking orbit with a low point around 120 miles (200 kilometers) and a high point around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth, and an inclination of 85 degrees.

The Curie kick stage soared over Antarctica, then flew north over the Atlantic Ocean before igniting its main engine, which burns a "green" non-toxic liquid monopropellant. A burn lasting nearly two minutes aimed to circularize the kick stage's orbit at an altitude of around 310 miles before release of the mission's six satellite passengers.

Rocket Lab confirmed in its live webcast of the flight that all six satellites separated as planned.

Спойлер

First deployed from the Curie kick stage was the IRVINE01 CubeSat built by students in Southern California, followed by two ship-tracking and weather data collection craft for Spire Global, two pathfinder data relay satellites from Fleet Space Technologies, and the CICERO 10 commercial weather satellite built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems for GeoOptics.

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, said the Electron rocket's orbital accuracy was "exquisite" on Sunday's mission, setting the stage for another Electron launch in December carrying around a dozen scientific and research CubeSats sponsored by NASA and developed at U.S. institutions and universities.

The launch window for the next Electron flight is currently expected to open around Dec. 10 and extend to Dec. 18, according to two sources with payloads flying on the NASA-funded mission.

Sunday's launch was the third flight of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, following a pair of test flights in May 2017 and in January the company named "It's a Test" and "Still Testing." Last year's inaugural Electron mission fell short of orbit, but the Electron launch in January delivered several small spacecraft to orbit, including a geodesic sphere dubbed "Humanity Star" covered in reflective panels designed to make it visible from Earth.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145173.jpg)
The Electron rocket lifts off Sunday from New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab

The Electron rocket is capable of placing up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of payload in a polar orbit around 310 miles (500 kilometers) above Earth. The rocket's capacity to a lower-altitude orbit is up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms).

Founded in New Zealand and headquartered in the United States, Rocket Lab says it can launch an Electron rocket for $5.7 million per flight, offering small satellite owners a more affordable, dedicated ride to orbit than larger, more expensive rockets, which often launch large clusters of smallsats at a time.

The success of the January launch gave Rocket Lab officials confidence to press ahead with the company's first operational flight, which was named "It's Business Time."

Rocket Lab planned to launch the "It's Business Time" mission in April, but engineers discovered a problem with a motor controller during a fueling test. The controller woes continued during a launch attempt in June, and Rocket Lab stood down from the launch campaign to resolve the issue.

The Electron rocket finally launched Sunday on the first attempt after the months-long delay.

"The world is waking up to the new normal. With the Electron launch vehicle, rapid and reliable access to space is now a reality for small satellites," Beck said in a statement after Sunday's launch. "We're thrilled to be leading the small satellite launch industry by reaching orbit a second time and deploying more payloads. The team carried out a flawless flight with incredibly precise orbital insertion."

Two the satellites launched on the Electron rocket Sunday are owned by Spire Global, a San Francisco-based company which builds and operates a fleet of CubeSats collecting weather data and tracking maritime traffic. The Lemur-2 satellites are about the size of a shoebox, and also carry instrumentation to track aircraft in flight.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145144.jpg)
A Spire Lemur-2 CubeSat during testing. Credit: Spire

Another California-based company, GeoOptics, also launched a small satellite for its own commercial weather monitoring constellation, which monitors GPS navigation signals passed through the atmosphere to measure temperature and moisture profiles. The GeoOptics CICERO 10 spacecraft was the biggest of the bunch launched Sunday, weighing in at around 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

A CubeSat named IRVINE01 built by Southern California high school students is also set for liftoff on the Electron rocket.

Fleet Space Technologies, an Australian company with plans to build a network of tiny tracking and data relay satellites designed to connect with devices in remote locations on Earth, also launched its first two test CubeSats on Sunday's mission — named Proxima 1 and 2.

A German-built payload from High Performance Space Structure Systems also rode into orbit Sunday to test an aerodynamic drag sail that could be used to de-orbit future satellites and help clear space junk out of orbit. The drag sail was to remain attached to the Curie kick stage and unfurl after the separation of the other satellites.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/144616.jpg)
A model of the drag sail to be demonstrated on the NABEO tech demo payload. Credit: Rocket Lab

In an interview with Spaceflight Now last month, Beck said Rocket Lab has laid the groundwork for a more fast-paced launch manifest, despite the delays in launching the Electron rocket this year.

"With the motor controller, we haven't rushed to get back to the pad," Beck told Spaceflight Now. "What we've, in fact, done is taken our time to really set the business up to succeed in a high volume kind of way."

Rocket Lab opened a new high-volume factory in Auckland last month. Coupled with a factory in Huntington Beach, California, Rocket Lab can produce up to one new launch vehicle every week, Beck said. The company also broke ground on its first U.S. launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, in October.

There are up to 16 Electron launches planned in 2019, Beck said, between the New Zealand launch site and the new pad in Virginia, which is scheduled to begin supporting missions in the third quarter of 2019.

"Our goal by the end of next year is to be launching once every two weeks, and as we move into 2020, launching once a week," Beck said. "We're tracking a pretty big pipeline of customers, and we've been very fortunate that people have put their trust in us."

Beck said Rocket Lab is generating "significant revenues" from customers, and the company's backlog is growing. But the company has its sights set on more launch sites, including a potential location in Scotland and possibly a second U.S. launch base. That could require more financing.

"It's a capital-intensive business, especially when you're building launch sites all around the world," Beck said in an interview. "So there's probably some future fundraising which we can talk about."

Rocket Lab's investors to date include Khosla Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, DCVC (Data Collective), Lockheed Martin, Promus Ventures and K1W1. The government of New Zealand also approved an innovation grant to Rocket Lab during Electron's development.

"It's one thing to put one rocket on orbit, and it's another thing to back up that with the manufacturing facilities ad the business infrastructure to really go forward," Beck said. "If I reflect on this year, getting to orbit was great and was a lot of work, but we spent an equal amount of work this year on making sure that we can truly deliver on our launch cadence in the coming years."

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1061810054385430528)

The next one is getting ready to ship!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/172197.jpg)

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:
Неужели Пентагон позарится на это ? :oops:

ЦитироватьСтарый пишет:

ЦитироватьApollo13 пишет:
До них просто дошло то, о чем Пророк говорил 15 лет назад.

ЦитироватьThe biggest advantage any U.S. launch company has is access to the U.S. government as a customer. Not taking advantage of that is a really big mistake.

Неужели Пентагон позарится на это ?  :oops:  

ЦитироватьAfter It's Business Time, the next Electron off the pad will be NASA's 19th Educational Launch of Nanosatellites mission, or ELaNa-XIX. The launch is manifested with innovative research and development payloads from NASA and educational institutions that will conduct a wide variety of new, on-orbit science. Applications of the CubeSats booked on the mission include research such as measuring radiation in the Van Allen belts to understand their impact on spacecraft, through to monitoring space weather. The mission is also NASA's first ever Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) mission, constituting the smallest class of dedicated launch services used by NASA. It marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab in providing such access to space for a NASA-sponsored mission of small satellites.

ЦитироватьLAUNCH UPDATE FOR BLACKSKY GLOBAL-1 AND GLOBAL-2
NOVEMBER 15, 2018
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/218744.png)
Globals are ready to go!

The BlackSky constellation is taking shape. ...
...
Looking ahead to 2019, Global 3 and 4 are scheduled to take flight in QU1. Global-3 will be aboard another PSLV and Rocket Lab is taking Global-4 on one of their Electron rockets. We can't wait for these launches – stay tuned as we bring our vision to fruition.

Follow our blog here and Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlackSky_Inc) where we will be sharing the latest news from BlackSky.

ЦитироватьVenture Class Rockets: First Class Flights for CubeSats

NASAKennedy (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjJtr2fFcUp6yljzJOzpHUg)

Опубликовано: 3 дек. 2018 г.

For years, tiny CubeSat satellites could only fly into space as hitchhikers, riding along with larger, primary payloads. Now, thanks to Venture Class Launch Services, these small packages of big science are getting their own rides into space on dedicated rockets -- and on their own terms. Rocket Lab USA of Huntington Beach, California, and Virgin Orbit of Long Beach, California, are the two companies poised to propel CubeSats from coach class to first class.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg)Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1) 9:32 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/1073994287841468417) - 15 дек. 2018 г.

Some recent news: Rocket Lab's Electron & Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne are now listed as vehicles available for NASA's new small and medium-class Explorer missions of opportunity. That gives those missions, ranging from CubeSats up to microsatellites, a new dedicated launch option.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg)Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 9:27 (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1073992883290685441) - 15 дек. 2018 г.

NASA is gearing up its first Electron launch with Rocket Lab this weekend, as the US space agency has recently added the Electron & Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne vehicles to a catalog of rockets available for future NASA CubeSat and smallsat missions. Story: https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/12/12/rocket-lab-preps-to-launch-flock-of-nasa-funded-cubesats/ ... (https://t.co/N2SrrJ7EuI)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab successfully launches NASA CubeSats to orbit on first ever Venture Class Launch Services mission

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/210019.jpg)

Rocket Lab successfully launches NASA CubeSats to orbit on first ever Venture Class Launch Services mission

The mission follows just five weeks after the successful 'It's Business Time' launch in November, and marks Rocket Lab's third orbital launch for 2018

Huntington Beach, California – December 16, 2018 – US small satellite launch company Rocket Lab has launched its third orbital mission of 2018, successfully deploying satellites to orbit for NASA. The mission, designated Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa)-19 , took place just over a month after Rocket Lab's last successful orbital launch, 'It's Business Time.' Rocket Lab has launched a total of 24 satellites to orbit in 2018.

On Sunday, December 16, 2018 UTC, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted off at 06:33 UTC (19:33 NZDT) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Māhia Peninsula. After being launched to an elliptical orbit, Electron's Curie engine-powered kick stage separated from the vehicle's second stage before circularizing to a 500x500 km orbit at an 85 degree inclination. By 56 minutes into the mission, the 13 satellites on board were individually deployed to their precise, designated orbits.

Until now, launch opportunities for small satellites have mostly been limited to rideshare-type arrangements, flying only when space is available on large launch vehicles. This mission, awarded under a Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) Agreement, marks the first time NASA CubeSats received a dedicated ride to orbit on a commercial launch vehicle. VCLS is managed by NASA's Launch Services Program headquartered at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck says the ELaNa-19 mission represents a forward-thinking approach from NASA to acquiring launch services and recognizes the increasingly significant role small satellites are playing in exploration, technology demonstration, research and education.

Спойлер

"The ELaNa-19 mission was a significant one for NASA, the Rocket Lab team and the small satellite industry overall. To launch two missions just five weeks apart, and in the first year of orbital flights, is unprecedented. It's exactly what the small satellite industry desperately needs, and Rocket Lab is proud to be delivering it. Regular and reliable launch is now a reality for small satellites. The wait is over," says Rocket Lab CEO and founder Peter Beck. "We're providing small satellite customers with more control than they've ever had, enabling them to launch on their own schedule, to precise orbits, as frequently as they need to."

NASA ELaNa-19 Mission Manager Justin Treptow adds, "The CubeSats of ELaNa-19 represent a large variety of scientific objectives and technology demonstrations. With this the first launch of a Venture Class Launch Service on the Rocket Lab Electron, NASA now has an option to match our small satellite missions with a dedicated small launch vehicle to place these satellites in an optimal orbit to achieve big results."

The ELaNa-19 launch webcast can be viewed in full at http://youtu.be/F7Kr3664hJs and images from the mission are available in the media library at www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/link-to-rocket-lab-imagery-and-video (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/link-to-rocket-lab-imagery-and-video)

[свернуть]

The next Rocket Lab Electron vehicle will be on the pad at Launch Complex 1 in January 2019. For real-time updates and mission announcements, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter @RocketLab.

Photo credit: Trevor Mahlmann

ЦитироватьRocket Lab launches cubesats for NASA
by Jeff Foust (https://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — December 16, 2018

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/191565.jpg)
A Rocket Lab Electron carrying 13 cubesats lifts off Dec. 16 from the company's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab/Trevor Mahlmann

WASHINGTON — A Rocket Lab Electron rocket successfully launched a group of cubesats Dec. 16 on a mission funded by NASA as the company looks ahead to more frequent launches in the next year.

The Electron rocket lifted off from the company's Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula at 1:33 a.m. Eastern. The rocket placed a kick stage containing the 13 satellites into orbit nine minutes after launch. About 40 minutes, later, the kick stage ignited for a 90-second burn, after which the satellites were placed into 500-kilometer circular orbits at an inclination of 85 degrees.

"All payloads deployed!! Perfect mission," Peter Beck, chief executive of Rocket Lab, tweeted after the satellites were deployed.

Спойлер

NASA purchased the launch for its CubeSat Launch Initiative program, which provides launches for cubesats developed by academic institutions and NASA centers. This particular flight, known as Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) 19, features three satellites built by NASA centers, six by universities and one by a charter school in Idaho.

The satellites range from those built primarily to give students experience in satellite development to those testing advanced technologies. RSat, developed at the U.S. Naval Academy, will test robotic arms planned for future satellite-servicing spacecraft. CubeSat, from the University of Illinois, will test soil sail technology. The Advanced Electrical Bus, or ALBus, satellite from NASA's Glenn Research Center will demonstrate new power systems and solar array deployment technologies.

The launch carried three satellites in addition to the 10 that were part of ELaNa-19. Two of the satellites, collectively known as AeroCube 11, were developed by the Aerospace Corporation to test advanced imaging technologies. The third, Space-Based High Frequency Testbed 2, was developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to demonstrate using high-frequency radio signals to study the ionosphere.

NASA awarded Rocket Lab a contract for the launch in October 2015 through its Venture Class Launch Services program, an effort to develop dedicated launch services for cubesats and other smallsats. Previous ELaNa missions all used secondary payload, or rideshare, accommodations on NASA and other government launches, reducing the control they had over schedule and orbit.

"Matching ELaNa-19 with the Electron rocket gives these advanced scientific and educational satellites first-class tickets to space while providing valuable insight for potential NASA missions in the future," said Justin Treptow, NASA ELaNa-19 mission manager, prior to the launch.
...
This launch was the third for Rocket Lab this year and second in a little more than one month. The company called this launch "This One's for Pickering" in honor of the late William Pickering, the New Zealand-born scientist who served as director of JPL from 1954 to 1976.

The company said in a post-launch statement that its next Electron "will be on the pad" in January, but didn't identify the customer. Company officials have previously said they expect to increase their launch cadence in 2019, flying missions at a rate of at least once per month. The company recently opened a factory in Auckland, New Zealand, designed to support the production of one Electron rocket per week.

"Regular and reliable launch is now a reality for small satellites. The wait is over," Beck said in the statement. "We're providing small satellite customers with more control than they've ever had, enabling them to launch on their own schedule, to precise orbits, as frequently as they need to."

[свернуть]

Rocket Lab announced a $140 million Series E round Nov. 15 (https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-raises-an-additional-140-million/) that will help support that increased launch rate. The funding will support, among other efforts, construction of additional launch pads at Launch Complex 1 and the new Launch Complex 2 the company announced in October at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia.

"This funding also enables the continued aggressive scale-up of Electron production to support our targeted weekly flight rate," Beck said in a statement then about the new funding round. "It will also see us build additional launch pads and begin work on three major new R&D programs." The company said it will disclose details about those unspecified research and development efforts "in the new year."

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 19 дек. (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1075246215271309312)

And another one done! Stage test for flight 5 is complete. Electron 5 heading out to the launch site early January. Delivering on frequent dedicated launch! #TheWaitIsOver (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheWaitIsOver?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173282.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab Kick Stage - Responsible orbital deployment
Доступ по ссылке

Rocket Lab (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWq7LZaizhIi-c-Yo_bcpw)

Дата загрузки: 2 янв. 2019 г.

The Kick Stage will take your satellite exactly where it needs to go, even when flying on rideshare missions.

Powered by the Curie engine, named after the physicist and chemist Marie Curie, the Kick Stage is a nimble but powerful extra stage on Electron designed to circularize payload orbits. It employs a cold gas reaction control system to precisely point itself and deploy satellites to independent yet highly precise orbits, and also eliminate the risk of recontact with other spacecraft during deployment.

We're committed to the sustainable use of space by minimizing orbital debris. That's why we've designed the Electron launch system to leave nothing in orbit but our customers' satellites.

After all payloads are deployed, the Kick Stage can reorient itself and reignite the Curie engine one last time to perform a deorbit maneuver. This drastically lowers the kick stage's orbit, enabling it to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up without a trace once its work in space is done.

The graphic in this video shows how Rocket Lab's Kick Stage works, its followed by an animation simulating deployment.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 17 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1082415960865173505)

Ringing in 2019 with new rockets rolling off the production line and down to the pad.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174044.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29925.jpg)Michael Baylor‏ @nextspaceflight (https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1084197887448297472)

Key points from Rocket Lab CEO @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck)'s interview on @tmro (https://twitter.com/tmro) today:
- 12 or more flights in 2019
- Next flight in early February
- First flight from Wallops in September
- Launch rate of one launch a week in 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBm941ACbSU (1:48:16)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186127.jpg)SMC Commander‏ @SMC_CC (https://twitter.com/SMC_CC) 15 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SMC_CC/status/1085328276405403648)

Just had an incredible tour at #RocketLab (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocketLab?src=hash) today. Building partnerships with new commercial entrants in all areas of space, including dedicated small launch vehicles is key to broadening the pool of #innovation (https://twitter.com/hashtag/innovation?src=hash)!
#SMC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SMC?src=hash) #spacestartshere (https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacestartshere?src=hash) #EPICSpeed (https://twitter.com/hashtag/EPICSpeed?src=hash) #USAF (https://twitter.com/hashtag/USAF?src=hash) #SmallLaunch (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmallLaunch?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173776.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1087150937213263872)

Happy birthday #StillTesting (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillTesting?src=hash). 1 year ago today we went to orbit for the first time. By the end of 2018 we had put 24 spacecraft on orbit. It's a lot when you list them out!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174400.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 13 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1101229751581044741)

Later this year Electron will lift off from this very spot - Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia! Construction is underway on the pad, plus the Integration and Control Facility which will support the simultaneous integration of multiple Electrons!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160064.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1105280598531223552)

Another stage test done. Getting ready for the next flight after DARPA R3D2. The team are really streamlining things now. Build, test, launch - repeat!

https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/D1a9r7hUwAEAh62.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/D1a9r7hUwAEAh62.mp4) (0:12 (https://video.twimg.com/tweet_video/D1a9r7hUwAEAh62.mp4))

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1108972407081951233)

Just a few days out from launch and the team just finished another stage test for the next fight. Flight 6 is now on its way to the pad while flight 5 lifts off next week.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160500.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109216668608192512)

We don't just go to orbit, we deploy satellites with exquisite accuracy. Electron's Kick Stage takes our customers' satellites exactly where they need to go. ...

http://www.rocketlabusa.com/vehicle/kickstage/ ... (https://t.co/tIoZFjJVBG)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160538.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32641.jpg)Swarm Technologies‏ @SwarmInternet (https://twitter.com/SwarmInternet) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SwarmInternet/status/1110206926732906498)

Swarm has completed qualification and acceptance vibe testing on our next two satellites (one flight unit shown, with two mass models). The next two SpaceBEEs will be deployed into LEO soon on @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab)!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160446.jpg)

Цитировать5th April
Scottish satellite firm plans second PocketQube launch mission

By Greg Russell (https://www.thenational.scot/author/profile/78854.Greg_Russell/)
Journalist

(https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/94716) (https://www.thenational.scot/resources/images/9669775.jpg)
The second PocketQube launch has attracted clients from the US and Spain

A SCOTTISH satellite hub has announced seven customers for its second PocketQube satellite mission later this year.

The Alba Cluster 2 mission from Alba Orbital will go into orbit on Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle, with seven PocketQubes integrated into their satellite deployer, the AlbaPod.

It comes after the company sold out its first launch, which will also launch in the third quarter of this year.

PocketQubes comprise 5cm cubes, which can be stacked to make larger variants and clients from Hungary, Germany, Spain and the US have confirmed their place in the second mission.

The new cluster includes spectrum monitoring payload, built by Budapest University (https://www.thenational.scot/search/?search=University&topic_id=8964) of Technology and Economics, which wants to make a global map of spectrum usage; an optical camera built by US firm Mini-cubes and Hungarian group Advanced Technology of Laser will test a new thermal isolation material in space.

Stara Space satellites will demonstrate a new intersatellite link, encrypted communication and integration with ground station software that allows third party satellites to request data transfer – crucial technologies which are needed to create a real-time global communications constellation.

Tom Walkinshaw founded Alba Orbital in 2012 and the company, which also has offices in Germany, now employs 15 people.

The team has won five major contracts with the European Space Agency, worth in excess of €1.5 million (£1.28m).

Unicorn-1 and Unicorn-2, their platforms, serve different parts of the satellite value chain and with their new AlbaPod deployer, can fly on any launch vehicle. Slots for the second launch are sold out but Alba said others on its third launch are still available, with prices starting €25,000 (£21,300).

Walkinshaw, Alba's CEO, said: "Getting a satellite to orbit has traditionally cost six figures, taken years and is prone to many delays.

"Alba's Launch Cluster 2 alleviate these problems, significantly reducing the barriers to launch PocketQubes in a regular and cost effective manner.

"This will help fulfil Alba Orbital's goal of democratising access to space.

"We are looking forward to working with Peter and the Rocket Lab team."

Peter Bec, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab – a privately-funded company with headquarters in Huntington Beach, California – added: "The satellites of today are getting smaller, doing more and costing less to build, but until now it has been a challenge for them to get to orbit.

"By partnering with Alba Orbital for a rideshare on a Rocket Lab Electron, these small but mighty payloads will get to orbit faster, experiencing a first-class ride and precise orbital insertion to maximise their potential on orbit."

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1115390484719882240)

Introducing Photon - the Rocket Lab satellite. As an integrated spacecraft builder and launch provider, we're enabling small satellite operators to focus on delivering data and services from space, rather than building their own hardware. Learn more: http://www.rocketlabusa.com/photon/  (https://t.co/NfxcAGuobk)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160762.jpg)

Цитировать

A SATELLITE CREATED BY ROCKETLAB

As the global leader in small satellite launch, Rocket Lab has now introduced the next evolution of its mission services, the in-house designed and built Photon satellite platform.

Rocket Lab now delivers an all-inclusive spacecraft build and launch service that enables small satellite customers to focus on delivering their service from orbit and generating revenue, rather than building their own satellite hardware. Our customers simply bring their payload or idea and we do the rest, taking care of the complete satellite design, build and launch as a bundled and streamlined experience.

Photon is an advanced and planned evolution of the Rocket Lab Kick Stage. Operating a high-powered iteration of the flight-proven 3D printed Curie propulsion system, Photon can support missions with up to a five year on-orbit life span. Equipped with an S-band communication system, a high-fidelity attitude control system, and a robust avionics suite, Photon is the complete spacecraft solution for a range of LEO missions, from constellation development, through to technology demonstrations and hosted payloads.

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Спойлер

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(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/210007.png)

[свернуть]

[TH]PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS[/TH]

Available payload mass	Up to 170 kg (orbit dependent). From 37 degrees to SSO
Available payload volume	Electron fairing envelope
Payload power (peak)	100 W to 1 kW
Payload energy/orbit	Up to 300 Whr
System voltage	28 V unregulated; regulated options available
Pointing accuracy	5 deg to 50 arc-sec
Slew rate	Up to 5 deg/s
Pointing stability	Up to TBS arcsec/sec
Orbit knowledge	5 - 10 m
Delta-v capacity	Payload dependent
Payload data interfaces	LVDS, ethernet, CAN, RS422/485
Payload data storage	Up to 1 TB
Telemetry & command frequencies	S-band (space operations)
Telemetry and command data rate	Up to 512 kbps
Payload transmitter	Payload dependent; multiple options available
Orbit type and lifetime	LEO > 5 years

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1115401151887724544)

Rocket Lab's satellite #Photon (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Photon?src=hash) is at booth 247.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160766.jpg)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 11 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1115398001814466561)

It's official, Rocket Lab now builds satellites!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1116772432830812160)

The strongback for Launch Complex 2 in Wallops Island, Virginia is coming along nicely. We can't wait to watch Electron lift off from LC-2 later this year.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160776.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1117169865733705728)

I dropped in to visit LC-2 today and the guys are ready to start pouring the main pad already. Huge thanks to all the teams working hard at Wallops! It seems that Virginia has no concept of the word "impossible" as they stride ahead on the build.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160952.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186371.jpg)pat o.  ‏ @spacepat_o (https://twitter.com/spacepat_o) 11 ч.11 часов назад (https://twitter.com/spacepat_o/status/1118297940072849408)

Rocket Lab'a new launch pad at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport is under construction. It will be located directly beside the existing Pad-0A.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/161057.jpg)

Спойлер

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[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 18 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1124957315663163392)

Thrilled to continue our heritage of mission success. Thank you and congratulations to our mission partners @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC) and @DIU_X (https://twitter.com/DIU_x), and of course our incredible Rocket Lab team. That's 28 sats and counting now.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/161345.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab successfully launches three R&D satellites to orbit for the U.S. Air Force

Rocket Lab successfully launches three R&D satellites to orbit for the U.S. Air Force

The launch took place just five weeks after Rocket Lab's last orbital mission, demonstrating the company's ability to provide rapid, responsive space access for government payloads.

Auckland, New Zealand, 05 May 2019 – A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula at 06:00 UTC, Sunday 5 May 2019 (18:00 NZST). The STP-27RD mission launched three research and development satellites for the DoD Space Test Program that will demonstrate advanced space technologies, including a satellite to evaluate new ways of tracking space debris.

The mission is Rocket Lab's second for 2019 and took the total number of satellites deployed to orbit by the company to 28. The DoD Space Test Program, under Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, procured the STP-27RD mission in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as part of the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative. This initiative leveraged Other Transaction (OT) authority to competitively rapidly award DoD launch service contracts with non-traditional, commercial small launch companies.

"It's a testament to our team and mission partners that Electron has placed another three satellites in orbit, just weeks after our flawless mission for DARPA," says Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Peter Beck. "We're proud to have delivered 100% mission success for the launch procured by the Department of Defense's Rapid Agile Launch Initiative, proving once again Rocket Lab's ability to provide responsive and streamlined space access."

Approximately 54 minutes after lift-off, the Electron launch vehicle's Kick Stage successfully deployed the three payloads to their designated orbits. The Space Plug and Play Architecture Research CubeSat-1 (SPARC-1) mission, sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV), is a joint Swedish-United States experiment to explore technology developments in avionics miniaturization, software defined radio systems, and space situational awareness (SSA). The Falcon Orbital Debris Experiment (Falcon ODE), sponsored by the United States Air Force Academy, will evaluate ground-based tracking of space objects. Harbinger, a commercial small satellite built by York Space Systems and sponsored by the U.S Army, will demonstrate the ability of an experimental commercial system to meet DoD space capability requirements.

The STP-27RD mission carried Rocket Lab's heaviest payload to date, with the three satellites weighing in at around 180 kg. The highly experienced Rocket Lab team have now delivered 28 satellites into orbit, enabling operations in space debris mitigation, Earth observation, ship and airplane tracking and radio communications. Rocket Lab's manifest is booked with monthly launches for the remainder of 2019 for a range of commercial and U.S. Government customers. Rocket Lab will scale to a launch every two weeks by the end of the year. The majority of launches in 2019 are scheduled to lift-off from Launch Complex 1, with the first mission from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia scheduled for late 2019.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1126301826658136064)

Last week's STP-27RD mission was our 6th Electron launch! We've now deployed 28 satellites to orbit for innovative organizations including NASA, Planet, DARPA, Spire, the U.S. Air Force's Space Test Program, and many more. We can't wait to share what's next on our 2019 manifest!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/161423.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1126792010562560000)

We're excited to confirm that our next mission is a rideshare launch for our friends at @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc)! We're thrilled to be launching a range of innovative small sats on the mission in June. More here:

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-to-launch-rideshare-mission-for-spaceflight/


3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1126796461834825728)

Rainy Seattle days at @SpaceflightInc (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightInc) HQ might have been behind the name of the upcoming mission on Electron. #MakeItRain (https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeItRain?src=hash)

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1130955831799762944)

Fight 7's final stage test is completed and we are off to the launch pad again for another trip to orbit.

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 16 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1133471168952844288)

Fantastic progress by the team at LC2! It's starting to look like a launch pad with the LOX tank in place.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/161734.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185086.jpg)Lily Ride  ‏ @lilyride2000 (https://twitter.com/lilyride2000) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/lilyride2000/status/1136390379203432449)

Can't wait for the wallops launches (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125488.png)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1136390755809759232)

LC-2 is coming along well. Not too long to wait!


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185066.jpg)Ryan Bale  ‏ @rbalephoto (https://twitter.com/rbalephoto) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/rbalephoto/status/1136390891353124864)

Good to hear! Think we'll get photos of the progress anytime soon? (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125479.png)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1136400995875901440)

В ответ @rbalephoto (https://twitter.com/rbalephoto) @lilyride2000 (https://twitter.com/lilyride2000)

Just for you, Ryan.

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 17 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1136644498187063297)

Hoffman: first launch from new pad at Wallops at the end of this year. Will be able to do 12 launches year from there.
#ISDC2019 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISDC2019?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/69499.jpg)UnseenLabs‏ @UnseenLabs (https://twitter.com/UnseenLabs) 20 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/UnseenLabs/status/1141248789614866432)

Here we are! @UnseenLabs (https://twitter.com/UnseenLabs) is on the way to become the first private operator of cubesatellites in France! We are impatient to open our maritime surveillance service and deliver the first data to our customers. #maritimesurveillanceservice (https://twitter.com/hashtag/maritimesurveillanceservice?src=hash) #newspace (https://twitter.com/hashtag/newspace?src=hash) #cubesatellite (https://twitter.com/hashtag/cubesatellite?src=hash) #Bretagne (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bretagne?src=hash)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/162182.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1144790767996588034)

Today's mission will lift off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, but progress on our second launch site is coming along nicely too. Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia is on track to be operational by the end of the year.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169090.jpg)

ЦитироватьPhoton | A Spacecraft by Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWq7LZaizhIi-c-Yo_bcpw)

Опубликовано: 3 июл. 2019 г.


The Photon spacecraft platform is the next step in Rocket Lab's evolution. Our goal is to help anyone get to space quickly, reliably, and affordably.
We started with launch - the common problem faced by the entire industry.
The next logical step is spacecraft: by co-architecting our launch vehicle and upper stage, which can also serve as a long-life satellite platform, we have transitioned to a one-stop shop for both launch and space segments. This lets customers focus on what really matters - their applications - without the needless distraction of developing or procuring a spacecraft platform that isn't optimized for any particular launch vehicle. Electron and Photon fit together by design.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1147346897083891716)

Next flight, (#8) second stage all up test complete and ready to head to the launch site soon. Crazy to think the team sent flight 7 to orbit less than a week ago!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174050.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1148353905136287744)

This week we celebrated the completion of our 100th Rutherford engine! 70 of these 3D printed, electric pump-fed engines have now been launched to space on Electron, with many more to come this year. Read more: https://bit.ly/30mAmsU  (https://t.co/9N4vT2ed7i)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/165313.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/165314.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1148643345394106368)

And there's another one! A few days after stage 2 was completed, stage 1 is tested and ready to ship to the launch site soon. The prop test team hit a new record by installing the stage and hot firing it all in the same day!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/164044.jpg)

ЦитироватьJuly 12, 2019
RELEASE 19-056

NASA Funds Demo of 3D-Printed Spacecraft Parts Made, Assembled in Orbit
NASA has awarded a $73.7 million contract to Made In Space, Inc. of Mountain View, California, to demonstrate the ability of a small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit. The in-space robotic manufacturing and assembly technologies could be important for America's Moon to Mars (http://www.nasa.gov/moontomars) exploration approach.


The contract is the start of the second phase of a partnership established through NASA's Tipping Point (https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-new-public-private-partnerships-to-advance-tipping-point-emerging-space) solicitation. The public-private partnership combines NASA resources with an industry contribution of at least 25% of the program costs, shepherding the development of critical space technologies while also saving the agency, and American taxpayers, money.


Archinaut One is expected to launch on a Rocket Lab Electron (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/electron/) rocket from New Zealand no earlier than 2022. Once it's positioned in low-Earth orbit, the spacecraft will 3D-print two beams that extend 32 feet (10 meters) out from each side of the spacecraft. As manufacturing progresses, each beam will unfurl two solar arrays that generate as much as five times more power than traditional solar panels on spacecraft of similar size.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCLD-ilfdUE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCLD-ilfdUE)Through a private-public partnership with NASA, Made In Space, Inc. will demonstrate the ability of a small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit.
Credits: Made In Space, Inc.
Watch video on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCLD-ilfdUE)
"In-space robotic manufacturing and assembly are unquestionable game-changers and fundamental capabilities for future space exploration," said Jim Reuter, associate administrator of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. "By taking the lead in the development of this transformative technology, the United States will maintain its leadership in space exploration as we push forward with astronauts to the Moon and then on to Mars."


The potential of these technologies is profound and includes such benefits as:

[/li]
• Enabling remote, in-space construction of communications antennae, large-scale space telescopes and other complex structures;
  
• Enabling small satellites to deploy large surface area power systems and reflectors that currently are reserved for larger satellites;
  
• Eliminating spacecraft volume limits imposed by rockets; and,
  
• Avoiding the inherent risk of spacewalks by performing some tasks currently completed by astronauts.
  

Made In Space began working on Archinaut as a ground demonstration in 2016 and, just a year later, successfully 3D-printed structural beams (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdm/irma/the-geometry-of-success-archinaut-project-conducts-first-large-scale-additive-manufacturing.html) in a unique NASA facility that mimics the conditions of space. In a thermal vacuum chamber at the agency's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley, they were able to prove the printing equipment and printed hardware can withstand the pressure, temperature, and other rigors of space.


The Archinaut team includes Made In Space, Northrop Grumman of Falls Church, Virginia, Ames, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. NASA's Technology Demonstration Missions (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdm/main/index.html) program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate matures groundbreaking technologies to extend mission capabilities as well as government and commercial opportunities in space. The program is based at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

-end-

Last Updated: July 15, 2019
Editor: Karen Northon

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 44 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1151671195105820672)
Who's ready for another Rocket Lab launch? (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125506.png)(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125507.png) Electron is headed down to Launch Complex 1 this week for final preparations ahead of our next mission in August. More detail about this exciting mission coming soon!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/173177.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab - the next era

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220625.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/RocketLabNZ) Rocket Lab (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWq7LZaizhIi-c-Yo_bcpw)

Запланировано на 6 авг. 2019 г.

On August 6, 2019, Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Peter Beck will make a major company announcement and provide detail on the company's continued achievements in providing frequent and reliable access to space for small satellites.

youtube.com/watch?v=joONWIGtcdY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joONWIGtcdY)

Начало трансляции: 06/21:55 UTC / 07/00:55 ДМВ