Kistler Aerospace has received a boost for its plans to develop the K-1 satellite launch vehicle with a contract from Space Systems/Loral to launch ten communications satellites into low-Earth orbit between 1999 and 2002 (Flight International, 23-29 October, 1996). The likely payloads are Gloabalstar mobile-communications satellites.
Kistler of Kirkland, Washington state, plans to market launches on the K-1 at $20 million each. The deal depends on Kistler's ability to raise the $500 million required for the project, 10% of which has been raised so far.
The booster, equipped with three Russian NK-33 first-stage and one NK-43 second-stage engines being built with US company Aerojet, will be able to place about 3,600kg (the equivalent of two Globalstars) into low-Earth orbit on each launch .
Aerojet is also supplying two new liquid-oxygen/alcohol engines for the second stage and building the launch site in Nevada. The first K-1 test flight is scheduled for 1998.
Russian and Ukrainian companies have established the International Corporation for Space Transport Systems to market the modified SS-18 missile, as the Dnepr low-Earth-orbit satellite launcher. The Dnepr would be equipped with a third new stage.
Source: Flight International
