Swiss Space Systems unveils small reusable satellite launch system

Swiss Space Systems (S-3) logo.

March 13, 2013

A Swiss company, Swiss Space Systems (S-3), has released plans for a reusable small satellite launch system, with a first launch planned in 2017.

VEHRA on S-3 Airbus A300

The launch system entails involves air-launching a reusable lifting body-like launch vehicle off the top of an Airbus A300, which will in turn release a disposable third stage. Though crucial details are immediately unavailable as of press time, the launch system is closely based off Dassault's airborne reusable hypersonic vehicle (VEHRA) concept, which the company has been proposing for several years without takers.

Reusable hypersonic vehicle (VEHRA) concept

The S-3 system will launch up to 250kg (551lb) into low Earth orbit. The company intends to build and flight test a mockup of the second stage in 2014, with a flight-ready spacecraft under assembly by 2016, for a 2017 launch. Budget, funded in part so far is unscrewed to 225 million francs and the first flights planned for 2017 already at the start of a new "Spaceport" at the airport in Payerne.

Project Swiss Space Systems (S-3)

A deal with Spaceport Malaysia was signed on the same day as the launch vehicle's public unveiling. The company is associated with a number of notable people within the spaceflight industry, the European Space Agency (ESA) is a partner in this project, including Switzerland's first astronaut, Claude Nicollier.

For more information about Swiss Space Systems (S-3), visit: http://www.s-3.ch/

Images, Video, Text, Credits: Swiss Space Systems (S-3) / Orbiter.ch Aerospace.

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