Low-Cost, Reliable Spacelift for Small Satellites using a Peacekeeper ICBM Derived Space Launch Vehicle and Multi Payload Adapters

The Air Force Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) is charged with the storage and reutilization of surplus Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). This responsibility places RSLP in a unique position to support small Research and Development satellites by providing low-cost, reliable access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The greatest challenge for small R&D satellites is to obtain a ride to orbit and stay within budget. It is common for the cost of a ride to orbit to be twice the cost of the satellite itself. Many groups are trying to reduce the large cost of a ride to orbit. Early commercial Small Launch Vehicles (SLVs) were relatively inexpensive but the cost of a launch service quickly grew by a factor of 2-3. NASA and the Air Force have been supporting initiatives to develop a true low-cost SLV for over ten years. While some of these initiatives show great promise, none have succeeded in producing a true low-cost launch vehicle (around 500 lbm to orbit for under $5 million). RSLP’s access to surplus boosters allows it to produce lower cost SLVs. These boosters represent the highest cost component for the launch vehicle hardware. Typically, boosters represent 90% of the cost of launch vehicle hardware. Surplus ICBM boosters, integrated into launch vehicles using modern avionics, offer a way to shave 30%-50% off the cost of comparable launch vehicles composed of new commercial boosters. While these cost savings do not result in a true low-cost SLV, they do represent a significant cost savings and serve as an excellent interim capability until a truly low-cost SLV is developed. RSLP has used surplus Minuteman I and Minuteman II boosters to support target and sub-orbital launch missions for over 30 years. RSLP has been using surplus boosters, coupled with new commercial boosters to support the launch of U.S. Government R&D satellites since 1998. In 1998, RSLP supported its first orbital mission by launching an R&D satellite using a Peacekeeper ICBM Stage 1 to replace the Castor 120 booster on a Taurus SLV. This strategy saved the satellite customer about $6M. RSLP developed the Minotaur SLV under the Orbital Suborbital Program (OSP). The Minotaur SLV is composed of the first two stages of a Minuteman II ICBM, a modified Pegasus Stage 2, Stage 3, avionics section, and fairing. Despite the fact that two of the four rocket motors on the Minotaur stack are commercial motors, the use of Minuteman II motors resulted in a SLV with a 50% increase in payload capacity for a launch cost that is about 60% that of a comparable SLV.