A Concept of International Nano-Launcher

NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) initiated three-year small satellite technology development program from April 2008 under the sponsorship of METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). In the meantime, the team of a private company and an university has conduced a feasibility study of atmospheric observation using mini satellites. Nano space is drawing strong interests from civil and defense agencies, academia and industry in major space fairing nations. It soon will be able to provide many innovative technologies that dramatically change design, manufacturing, operation and, most importantly, economy of the future space systems and applications. Launch opportunity for the nano space system is still limited to mixed loading on current launch vehicles. Dedicated new launcher optimized for this new category of the space system will strongly be requested as missions using nano satellites become more practical. Nano-launcher has to be affordable and available to anyone at any time and launched from the wide variety of locations in land, sea or air. This paper summarizes results of the concept study of Nano Launch Vehicle Systems (NLVS) capable of lifting 1kg-30kg payloads. The combination of US existing rocket system and sounding rockets of Japan is proposed as an example of promising solutions for the cost reduction using international cooperation scheme. Key elements, including maximum use of existing technologies, minimization of ground support facilities, multi-platform launch system, are also discussed