Launch Vehicle Technology and the Impact upon Lightsat Design

Low cost satellites require low cost access to space. Today, several companies are attempting to provide competitive launch services for small satellites. DSI, which has launched 18 lightweight satellites, has extensive experience in the areas of satellite design, launch planning, integration and test. The selection of an ELV has important impacts upon the design of the satellite. This paper focuses on 2 areas: 1.) the environments of the small ELVs and 2.) The corresponding impacts upon the satellite design. The author uses recent flight experiences to create a template which the designer can use to better understand the engineering constraints and cost implications of launching from this new generation of small launch vehicles