Vector-H

Vector-H
Function Micro/Smallsat Launch Vehicle
Manufacturer Vector Launch, Inc.
Country of origin United States
Cost per launch 3.5-4.5 Million USD
Size
Height 19.5 m
Diameter 1.2 m
Mass 11,910 kg
Stages 2/3
Capacity
Payload to LEO 290 kg
Payload to SSO 95 kg [1]
Associated rockets
Family Vector (rocket family)
Comparable Electron, Falcon 1, Firefly Alpha
Launch history
Status In Development
Launch sites Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska
Spaceport Camden
Spaceport Florida Launch Complex 46
First stage
Diameter 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Engines 6 x LP-1
Thrust 39,336 lbf (174,980 N)
Fuel Propylene / LOX
Second stage
Diameter 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Engines 1 X LP-3
Thrust 1,135 lbf (5,050 N)
Fuel Propylene / LOX
Third stage
Diameter 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Fuel Solid Fuel

Vector-H (Vector Heavy)[2] is two-stage or three-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Vector Launch to cover the commercial small satellite launch segment (CubeSats). It is an expanded version of the Vector-R rocket, more than doubling the payload capacity.

The rocket is expected to have its first test flight in 2019.[3]

Design

Vector-H uses two stages, both 1.2 m in diameter, filled with Propylene/LOX propellant. The main body of the rocket is constructed using a lightweight carbon composite material.

The launch vehicle's first stage is powered by six LP-1 LOX/propylene engines, delivering 81,000 newtons of force. The second stage is powered by one LP-3 LOX/propylene engines, delivering 4,400 newtons of force. The engines use a 3D-printed engine injector, designed with help from NASA's Science, Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD) Flight Opportunities program. This allows the injector to be produced as a single piece of hardware, instead of as individual components. The vehicle also includes an optional third stage powered by a solid rocket motor. This allows the upper stage to boost micro satellites into a higher orbit.[4]

Vector Space Systems is aiming the rocket at a launch cadence of 100 vehicles per year between the Vector-R and Vector-H.[5]

Vector-HE1

The Vector-HE1 has the same body as the standard Vector-H but includes an electric powered third stage.[6]

Intended usage

Vector-H is designed to launch a 290 kg (640 lb) payload to a 1,000 km (620 mi) Sun-synchronous orbit, suitable for CubeSats and other small payloads. The cost is less than US$5 million, a price point that the company hopes will allow it to attract one hundred launches per year. Customers may choose to encapsulate their spacecraft in payload fairings provided by the company, which can be easily attached to the rocket shortly before launch, in several different configurations, such as fitting CubeSats dispensers or multiple satellites in a single fairing.

Vector will use on-site payload integration for the early launches. However it expects to be able to integrate payloads at their Arizona and California Payload Facilities and ship them to their launch sites.

Launch sites

Mojave Spaceport

As of 2018 Vector Space plans to use the LC-46 launch site in Florida, Spaceport Camden, and Pacific Spaceport Complex[7] Additionally Vector Space investigates adding more minimal infrastructure launch pads either located on land in the US, or to launch the rocket from barges on the ocean.[8]

Vector Space Systems is currently planning the first launch in 2019.


References

  1. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf
  2. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf
  3. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf
  4. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf
  5. ↑ "Tiny rocket company aims for 100 launches a year—and it just might succeed". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
  6. ↑ http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/vector-1.htm
  7. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf
  8. ↑ https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Vector_PUG_03_02.pdf
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