“Aldebaran” is a space transport project for a new system of launching of satellites that persecutes a double objective: to smooth the way for the next generation of launcher vehicles and to be used of operational way for the launching of small satellites. Aldebaran takes its name from the star most shining of the constellation Taurus. The Aldebaran project arises in a while in which it considers to operate the existing European launchers (ARIANE 5, Soyuz and VEGA) until year 2025. It constitutes therefore the ideal platform for the demonstration and later application of the new technologies to be used on the new launcher. One is a joint project between French Space Agency (the CNES), and the Spanish CDTI (Center for the Technological & Industrial Development), that will implement under a Framework Agreement Frame signed between both in 2005. Account with the participation of Spanish companies (EADS-CASA and GTD) and French (DASSAULT, SNECMA, and ASTRIUM) and will be developed between years 2007 and 2014, when it is tried that the first launching will be carried out. Aldebaran is focused to the market of micro and minisatellites (in the surroundings of the 150 kg), a segment that is not covered by any with the present European launchers that, on the basis of the actual market business plans, will experience an enormous growth in the next decade. The applications that will be able to be covered are very varied: Telecom, Earth observation, Navigation, etc. The following video shows as a simulation of how it would be a complete campaign: The main advantage of these systems of airborne launching is its availability, geographically and temporarily: they can practically operate from any site that has a ground facilities, runway with no need complex, and can be ready for the launching in a very brief term since it is decided to carry out it. This has an economic advantage, when simplifying itself all the ground facilities; and it also has another advantage of strategic and political nature, to the power to carry out the launching from practically any territory, and like answer to urgent necessities. These necessities fulfil ORS requirements, ("Operationally Responsive Space"), this is to give the capacity of fast answer in the military space scope. For example, to put a specific satellite of observation over a conflict zone whenever is necessary. In this project, GTD for the first, will be responsible for the all launcher’s avionics system. That’s includes, the electronics for GNC, actuators, On Board Computer, and its diverse instruments, as well as the interfaces with the airplane. For it, GTD will federate the supply of diverse Spanish and European industries, since the design will be totally innovating and used technologies previously in launchers will not be employed (constraints of weight, long term operation, cost, …)
