Аннотация: A multivariateness of platforms for space launches. A note about the history of space exploration.
A multivariateness of platforms for space launches. A note about the history of space exploration.
Internet users interested in space topics could to learn with surprise a news about the marine platform (marine launch complex-floating spaceport "Sea Launch") for space launches.
"What is a "Sea launch"? This is a fully functional marine launch complex, which includes the Odyssey floating platform, the Sea Launch Commander -the assembly and command vessel...". All these components are components of the Sea Launch floating cosmodrome." [these data require verification and may be unreliable] [unofficial translation] (https://pikabu.ru/story/rossiyskiy_plavuchiy_kosmodrom_morskoy_start__dlinnopost_3848110).
The company that initiated the use of this platform came to great economic difficulties.
"Initially, the project was international, the shareholders were Boeing, RSC Energia, Aker ASA Group and Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. The United States had the most shares. They have invested about half of the funds [of total expenses] in the platform. The missiles were launched from it not at full capacity, but - regularly.
- Subsequently, by the end of the 2000s, the United States lost interest in the platform due to its strong dependence on the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as constant disagreements. On June 22, 2009, the Sea Launch company, which managed the entire cooperation, declared bankruptcy through reorganization. " [these data require verification and may be unreliable] [unofficial translation] (https://pikabu.ru/story/rossiyskiy_plavuchiy_kosmodrom_morskoy_start__dlinnopost_3848110).
The platform has changed the owner. Finally, it turned out to be in Russia. Now the platform owned by a certain private company. Now this marine platform for space launches is awaiting further application.
It remains to find out how much money it costs to preserve and store this platform. (Even the Buran spacecraft did not receive such care).
"Every year ... pays 60 megabucks [???] for the maintenance and deployment of the platform, with incidental costs, not counting the money that is needed for its operation. (...) The initial cost of the project was about $ 3.5 billion. , while the total costs have long exceeded $ 10 billion. " [these data require verification and may be unreliable] [unofficial translation] (https://pikabu.ru/story/rossiyskiy_plavuchiy_kosmodrom_morskoy_start__dlinnopost_3848110).
Some hypotheses can be created by information that has appeared relatively recently.
"Kaleidoscope
The German cosmodrome is becoming more real
Missile manufacturers signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin. The next step is a feasibility study, which will be half funded by the German government.
23.09.2021, 09:51
The planned German spaceport does not necessarily have to be similar to Cape Canaveral in the United States or Baikonur in Kazakhstan. Instead, a floating launch platform is planned to be built in the North Sea. From a ship with a launch pad, small launch vehicles should go into space, which will carry small satellites the size of a shoe box. (...) The goal of the GOSA alliance is to launch the first "micro-rocket", as mini-rockets are called, from the North Sea in 2023. The home port will be Bremerhaven. " [unofficial translation] (https://www.ganc-chas.by/by/page/kaleidoscope/888906165/?utm_source=yxnews&utm_medium=desktop).
Having got acquainted with the plans for the creation of a German cosmodrome in the North Sea, some enthusiastic Internet users can admire the foresight of the owners of the marine platform for space launches, which is currently under care in Russia.
However, the information about space launches using an airplane had appeared almost simultaneously.
"Virgin Orbit - the new Virgin Galactic?
Kira Yukhtenko. 27.08.2021 12:18
Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit, a company engaged in satellite launch services and various space solutions, has decided to enter an IPO. (...)
The company uses a modified Boeing 747 aircraft to launch its missiles. The company's aircraft carries LauncherOne rockets to an altitude of about 45 thousand feet and drops them immediately before the launch of the rocket engine, after which the carrier is already sent into space. I.e., the launch vehicle is launched from the air, while competitors such as Rocket Lab or Astra (NASDAQ:ASTR) launch takes place from the ground. This method allows you to use the startup approach more flexibly and provide services to a larger number of customers.
The LauncherOne rocket itself is designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 500 kg. (...) In January 2021, Virgin Orbit successfully launched satellites for NASA. Then it was possible to put ten satellites into low-Earth orbit. The rocket with the cargo was launched from under the wing of a Boeing 747 aircraft. The last successful launch for the company's commercial customers was on June 30, 2021.
The mobility of the system allows Virgin Orbit to provide satellite launch services to dozens of countries that currently have space agencies and the satellite industry, but do not have the ability to launch from local territories.
The company is expected to grow at an extremely rapid pace. The average growth rate in the next 5 years is expected to be at the level of 166% per year. According to forecasts, by 2025, the company's revenue will reach $ 1.5 billion. (...)" [unofficial translation] (https://ru.investing.com/analysis/article-200284913?utm_source=yxnews&utm_medium=desktop).
Thus, we can think about the multivariateness of space launches.
September 28, 2021 07: 02
Translation from Russian into English: September 28, 2021 07:54.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Многовариантность платформ для космических стартов. Заметка об истории освоения космоса".