ALTAIR’s strategic objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new cost effective and reliable space launch system for the access to Low-Earth Orbit (400-1000 km) of small satellites. The ALTAIR launch system aims to answer to the needs of small satellites users, providing an affordable and adapted access to space service, without the constraints of current rideshare launch options. ALTAIR will boost space applications to the benefit of an increased spectrum of users, from classic satellite operators to academics and research centres. To support this ambitious goal, the ALTAIR system combines an innovative semi-reusable concept and the integration of relevant technologies in all parts of the system. ALTAIR is an innovative air-launch system using a reusable unmanned aircraft carrier optimised specifically for this mission. The expendable rocket launch vehicle, which is released at high altitude, associates green propellant hybrid propulsion, lightweight composite structure, innovative avionics and a versatile upper-stage, providing mission flexibility. Cost-effective ground operations are obtained through innovative ground systems architecture. The market of satellite launches will drastically change in the coming decade. While being nowadays monopolised by massive and expensive satellites, requiring heavy launchers of the size of the Proton M, Delta IV or Ariane 5, it is foreseen that another product will take a large share of the global market: small satellites in the 50-150 kg range. This growth will be mainly driven by two factors. On the one hand, miniaturisation makes possible, with such platforms, applications that a few years ago were feasible only with larger satellites. Furthermore, the availability of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) components, which can be used in space, makes small satellite more and more affordable. Finally, small satellites are considered for a wide range of application, such as communication, Earth observation, remote sensing, scientific experiments and in-orbit technology demonstration. What makes ALTAIR different The ALTAIR launch vehicle is designed through a cost-oriented global optimisation process. The system is composed of three elements: A reusable unmanned aircraft carrier designed specifically for the launch mission. This element is particularly important as ALTAIR is – so far – the only micro launcher project to use an unmanned aircraft; An expendable launcher associating green propellant hybrid propulsion, lightweight composite structure, innovative avionics and a versatile upper-stage; A cost-effective ground segment. Globally, ALTAIR cost-effectiveness is achieved jointly through the concept of air-launch, the choice of efficient technologies for rocket propulsion, structure and avionics, structure and avionics, and an overall optimisation process. The ALTAIR consortium is composed of leading European research entities and companies with key competences on aerospace vehicles, ground and on-board systems for launchers and spacecraft and rocket motors.
