The commercial development of a microsatellite launcher in the UK could be agreed by October, according to Microlaunch Systems. It began talks with potential customers and partners at last month's Farnborough air show.
A microsatellite can weigh as little as 50kg (110lb), whereas telecommunication satellites weigh 1t or more. A microsatellite's low mass means it could be sent into low-Earth orbit on a low-cost rocket. Universities have used microsatellites for experiments.
"The key thing was to determine if there was a genuine market and if it was possible to attract private money to help develop it," says Microlaunch Systems founder Mohan Ahad. "We think that in two to three months we could make an official announcement on its development," he adds.
The launcher - yet to be named - is a three-stage, pressure-fed, liquid-oxygen system that uses brake pad carbon-carbon material for its rocket nozzle and avionics from unmanned air vehicles for its guidance and navigation.
Former military aircraft systems engineer Ahad's company is thefirst to receive a UK government research and development award for a satellite launcher. In 2003 it received a £30,000 ($55,000) grant from the UK Department of Trade and Industry, which paid for a commercial feasibility study and design work on the use of low-cost, mass-produced components.
Ahad also received help from the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, the University of Stuttgart and the University of Leicester's Space Research Centre. He hopes to work with the European Space Agency's Innovation Triangle Initiative once he secures development partners.
ROB COPPINGER / LONDON
Source: Flight International
