A Multi-User Carrier Structure for Deploying Pegasus-Launched Micro-Satellites

Now that the viability of the Pegasus air launched booster has been demonstrated, it is possible, and indeed appropriate, to devise methods for exploiting the launcher so that it can launch multiple micro-satellites. Such spacecraft may be launched for a single user, or the capacity of a single launcher may be divided among multiple users. In fact, not all of the satellites on a single launch need to be placed into the same orbit. This paper describes a concept, developed by OSC, to place multiple micro-satellites into various orbits using a single Pegasus launch vehicle. The concept makes use of separable ''pallets" which may be stacked, one on top of the other within the Pegasus fairing. Each pallet can have an integral propulsion system and may transport from one to six micro-satellites into an orbit modified from the reference orbit provided by the launch vehicle. Examples are given as to how the system may be used to implement a variety of mission options. If a constellation of communications satellites are deployed by this approach, global coverage can be provided at what is believed to be the lowest cast available today. The mechanical and propulsion system designs of the pallet are discussed and user constraints are reviewed. The performance capability of the Pegasus vehicle is reviewed as it impacts the individual micro-satellite payload mass.