Abstract: A low cost, on demand, dedicated launch system is provided for placing micro satellites or space-based instruments at orbital and sub-orbital altitudes and velocities. The invention describes a space launch vehicle (SLV) that incorporates a single, integrated guidance, navigation, and control unit (GNCU) that performs all guidance and control for the SLV from main stage ignition to orbital insertion. The GNCU can remain with the payload after orbital insertion to provide satellite station keeping and orbital maneuvering capability. The use of a single integrated avionics unit for all guidance, navigation, and control simplifies the SLV, reducing weight and significantly reducing cost. In addition, this architecture allows for a combined launch and satellite bus system as the GNCU can also be used as a satellite bus. This further reduces cost and increases the payload capacity to orbit by optimizing the use of launch vehicle and satellite bus subsystems and reducing non-instrument mass delivered to orbit.

Abstract: A low cost, on demand, dedicated launch system is provided for placing micro satellites or space-based instruments at orbital and sub-orbital altitudes and velocities. The invention describes a space launch vehicle (SLV) that incorporates a single, integrated guidance, navigation, and control unit (GNCU) that performs all guidance and control for the SLV from main stage ignition to orbital insertion. The GNCU can remain with the payload after orbital insertion to provide satellite station keeping and orbital maneuvering capability. The use of a single integrated avionics unit for all guidance, navigation, and control simplifies the SLV, reducing weight and significantly reducing cost. In addition, this architecture allows for a combined launch and satellite bus system as the GNCU can also be used as a satellite bus. This further reduces cost and increases the payload capacity to orbit by optimizing the use of launch vehicle and satellite bus subsystems and reducing non-instrument mass delivered to orbit.