PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EM LAUNCH OF NANO-SATELLITES

There is a growing market for launch of nano- or micro-satellites for missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond. The most common systems presently being studied are based on cubesats which can operate in multi-satellite constellations; each individual cubesat typically has a mass of a few kilograms. The study reported here has evaluated the launch of a two-stage-to-LEO projectile capable of carrying a cubesat. The initial launch velocity is provided by a railgun and the LEO orbit insertion with a rocket motor in a second stage. A ground-based electromagnetic (EM) acceleration system of this type could provide a useful reduction in the launch-to-orbit cost compared with present large chemical boosters. Advantages of the EM launch approach include increased launch frequency, safety and reliability as well as cost reductions.