Paris Air Show
Aerospace |
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Spain And
Israel Commercial Launch Services Line Up For Small Payload LEO Market
The Paris Air Show was the scene of announcements from two countries to jump into the business of launching small payloads into low earth orbit. On Monday, The Spanish Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial (INTA) announced the selection of Thiokol's Castor IVB solid rocket motor as the first stage booster for Spain's new Capricornio launch vehicle. INTA is an autonomous institute of the Spanish Ministry of Defense, and has responsibility for developing technology and industrial capability in aerospace and high-technology markets.
Thiokol has been contracted by INTA to provide motors for the first two Capricornio missions. The launcher's initial flight is scheduled for 1999. Also at Paris, Israel Aircraft Industries revealed its agreement with Coleman Research of the U.S. to develop the Shavit rocket for launches of up to 150 kg payloads into low Earth orbit. TheIsraeli venture will provide launches from both the U.S. and Israel for satellite owners seeking launch capabilities. IAI is also in discussion with Matra Marconi Space for European marketing with launches from Guiana. The IAI venture will use solid fuel and motor for the launch vehicle's third stage in place of the current Israeli motor. The Spanish Capricornio is a three-stage solid propellant vehicle developed by INTA to carry small payloads weighing approximately 100 kilograms (220 lb.) into low Earth orbit. INTA started Capricornio development in 1992 with the intent of creating a national capability in space launch vehicles.
Capricornio's maiden flight in 1999 will carry two small satellites.
Both are under development by universities. |
Paris (June 17, 1997) -- It seems as though every country
has read the projections for the commercial satellite market and hopes to
cash in.
"INTA wants to develop a launch vehicle for Spain
and the world market that will provide economic benefit to Spanish industry,
allow access to space for the small payload user, and provide a return on
investment for its development," Julian Simon, INTA Capricornio program
manager, said.