Small Satellite Launchers

摘要

Around ten years ago, a growing market for small satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) launched on small expendable launch vehicles was predicted. More recently, business plans for this class of vehicles have centred on the replacement of a number of constellations of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Mark Williamson, Independent Space Technology Consultant and Technical Author, looks at the current state of the market for small launch systems.