Israel has renewed its interest in launching satellites from an aerial platform. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is looking into a system based on a booster with parachute attached that would be ejected from a freighter, then ignited after clearing the carrying aircraft.
The evaluation began a few years ago when the Israeli air force indicated its interest in being able to launch micro-satellites on demand. IAI and Rafael proposals did not result in a programme.
IAI has now indicated renewed interest in the feasibility of launching full-size satellites from a cargo aircraft. Israeli Offeq imaging satellites have been launched by Shavit booster from the Palmachim site on the Mediterranean shore.
Israel’s geopolitical situation forces satellites to be launched to the west, which results in a loss of 30% of the booster’s payload capability. An air-launch system could solve this problem and allow Israel to launch satellites into different orbits and inclinations.
In the USA, AirLaunch and T/Space are developing low-cost launch systems that involve dropping boosters from aircraft. Orbital Sciences already operates the Pegasus small-winged booster, launched from a Lockheed L-1011.
ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
