Virgin Galactic developing small-satellite launcher
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029204
BBC : Until now most small satellites have been launched by piggy-backing on other missions. To target the ever-growing cubesat and microsatellite market, Virgin Galactic says it is developing a new orbital launch vehicle called LauncherOne, which will be able to carry payloads of up to 200 kg into standard orbits and 400 kg into lower orbits. That capacity is much greater than the 120 kg that had been originally proposed. Accommodating the larger payloads will require larger propellant tanks and, hence, a longer rocket. The extra length could also accommodate unusually shaped payloads, such as a telescope. The company hopes to have the new system ready by 2016 or 2017.
