China has revealed plans to develop a small commercial satellite launch vehicle based on the solid rocket motors of the Dongfeng intercontinental ballistic missile.
Capable of placing spacecraft weighing up to 300kg (660lbs) into low Earth orbit (LEO), the booster will be able to be launched from a variety of locations based on mobile platforms.
Launches will be made from various land locations, an offshore platform and even from the air using a mother aircraft for deployment. The Chinese claim they will be able to offer customers a launch on demand service requiring as little as 12h notice.
Called the SLV-1, the booster will be aimed at the launch of microsatellite constellations, says the newly formed Space Solid Fuel Rocket Carrier company, which has been set-up to research, develop and manufacture solid propellant rockets.
Source: Flight International
