Two new potential commercial satellite launchers are under development by Israel and Russia.
Russia is proposing an uprated Russian-Ukrainian Tsyklon 2K booster for flights to 800km (500 miles) sun-synchronous orbit carrying 1,800kg (3,960lb) satellites at a cost of $8,000/kg next year. The booster will be a standard two-stage Tsyklon, with a post-boost module used on the SS-24 Satan ballistic missile.
Meanwhile, the Israel Space Agency and Israel Aircraft Industries are proposing a Shavit LK air-launched satellite launcher to boost 350kg payloads into equatorial orbit. The booster would be a standard Shavit without a first stage, dropped from a Lockheed Martin C-130.
Source: Flight International
