U.S. Air Force Launch Vehicle Design Certification for Small Satellite Missions

摘要

The National Security Space Launch (NSSL. formerly Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle [EELV]) program has emerged as the "front door" for launch of National Security Space (NSS) missions of all sizes and risk tolerances. The heritage of the NSSL program is rooted in the capability to reliably launch medium, intermediate and heavy high-value spacecraft with low risk tolerances, with a track record of 100% mission success. The Launch Enterprise organization at the Air Force Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC) also provides launch services for relatively light spacecraft with a higher tolerance for risk of launch failure, a responsibility they took over in 2015 from another SMC organization. While multi-manifest or rideshare opportunities provide access to space for many of these smaller spacecraft, a dedicated launch on a "small" launch vehicle is advantageous for missions which have strict launch constraints, such as orbit or schedule requirements. Given the recent increase in capabilities of smaller spacecraft, it is likely that future small spacecraft will accomplish missions of high national significance and would therefore require a low-risk launch vehicle to meet mission needs and high reliability requirements. Prior and ongoing NSSL launch vehicle non-recurring design validation (NRDV) efforts require a lengthy and intensive technical engagement between launch service providers and the SMC Launch Enterprise. However, other NRDV/certification options exist and are evolving for less intensive engagements that still result in low-risk launch vehicle certification, which may be particularly relevant to the emerging small launch providers. This paper will explore NSSL capabilities for low mass, low risk tolerant spacecraft and certification avenues for low-risk, small launch systems.