K-1 Small Satellite Missions

Kistler Aerospace Corporation is building the K-1, the world’s first fully reusable aerospace vehicle. By reusing each K-1 multiple times, Kistler plans to reduce the cost of access to space while providing a reliable launch on-demand capability to lowearth orbit and beyond. The K-1 is designed to carry a wide range of payloads to a variety of orbits. Kistler and Astrium Ltd. (formerly Matra Marconi Space UK) have initiated an effort to design reusable dispensers for multiple small payloads for use on the K-1. One of these dispensers may be used to deploy small satellites during the K-1’s flight test program. Kistler is investigating the feasibility of flying dedicated, multiple small payload missions. Such a mission may launch multiple small payloads from a single customer or small payloads from different customers. To facilitate ride-sharing opportunities, Kistler may issue an Announcement of Opportunity for multiple small payloads to fly to a predetermined orbit at a predetermined date. The orbit would be selected to be compatible with the requirements of as many small payload customers as possible. To avoid expensive recurring costs, small payloads would make use of standard interfaces and verification plans determined by Kistler. Kistler may employ the services of a broker to coordinate integration of multiple customers. If there is sufficient demand, Kistler can schedule regular fixed “departures” for small payloads. This would eliminate the need to match small payloads with a compatible primary payload customer, increasing the number of access to space opportunities open to small satellites