Small Payload Opportunities Aboard Soviet Launch Vehicles

The Space Commerce Corporation of the U.S. and Technopribor of the Soviet Union have agreed to develop jointly and market a new commercial mobile launch vehicle derived from Soviet SS-20 medium-range missile technology. The Soviets have indicated they could produce 300 launchers within a five-year period following a go-ahead decision. The launcher could be employed for commercial payloads or scientific research, including materials processing experiments. President Gorbachev reiterated in his speech at Stanford University on June 4, 1990 the commitment of the Soviet Union to convert military armaments to peaceful commercial purposes. He recognized the requirement to develop international legal safeguards against potential military use evolving from converted armaments. The Arms Control and Disarmament Agency is likewise concerned with the START vehicle and these issues will need to be resolved. In addition to the development of a small relocatable launch vehicle there are opportunities to have accommodation payloads placed aboard other Soviet launch vehicles. In November, 1989 Energetics Satellite Corporation placed an order for $54M. Their SAT/TRAC satellites will be placed into geosynchronous orbit by Proton launchers.