Authors have studied a family of launch vehicles suitable for nano/micro/small payloads. "SpaceSpike" series,developed upon flight-proven Japanese sounding rocket SS-520 technology and current solid rocket motor products,are capable of lifting up to 20kg to low earth orbit. Authors also develop key technologies under Air Launch SystemEnabling Technology (ALSET) R&D project to achieve a commercial air launch system for 150kg-class payload inthe future.These R&D projects are aiming at providing ideal space access to small satellite users who have to rely onpiggyback or share ride on a medium-heavy launch vehicle where they have a limited choice on launch window andorbit selection. Recent vigorous development of small space systems in US and Europe indicates 20-50kg classsatellites and sophisticated 3-U and 6-U CubeSat constellations would be used for a wide variety of missions in themiddle of 2010s.This paper will introduce a concept of μLambda rocket capable of lifting 50kg payload to low earth orbit. μLambdaconcept was initially developed in early 1990s as an upgrade of TR-1A microgravity research experiment rocket andμLambda modernization study has recently been carried out. Trade studies to develop low-cost μLambda launchsystem and its launch service business in a short period of time will be presented.
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