| Microsatellites have shown that it is possible to execute missions effectively and rapidly. Despite the current oversupply of launch capacity, there are no operational dedicated microsatellite launch vehicles. This study investigated a ground and air launched vehicle based on the Orbital Express conceptual launcher. Analytical considerations were largely based on a commercial trajectory optimization software package and were validated with numerical models. Favourable ground and air launch circumstances were identified while accounting for technical and operational aspects.; Ground and air launch payload capability results to a 600 km and 60° circular orbit were 55 kg and 35 kg with 0.34% and 0.74% payload mass fractions respectively. Although the ground launch was often preferred, the air launch was better suited in some instances, particularly for responsive services. In developing a Canadian micro class access to space, this study proposed to operate a ground launched vehicle followed by an air launched system. |
