First Launch in Months: Japan^|^apos;s Epsilon Launcher and Its Evolution

Morita, Yasuhiro; Imoto, Takayuki; Tokudome, Shinichiro; Ohtsuka, Hirohito

doi:10.2322/tastj.12.tg_21

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…The launch vehicle adopts novel communication architecture and is connected to the ground support facilities through a high-speed network, making the launch operation safer and simpler. It became the first launch vehicle of Japan that can be controlled from outside the restricted area of the launch site [20].…”

Section: Autonomous Control Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Review, Prospect and Technical Challenge of Launch Vehicle

Wang

Zhang

et al. 2023

Springer Series in Astrophysics and Cosmology

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Following six decades of development, the technology of launch vehicle has progressed with respect to the dual action of demand traction and technical promotion, providing increasingly valuable high-tech services for society. Currently, the development of launch vehicle is progressing with respect to stronger capabilities, higher reliability, lowering costs, flexibility, and user convenience. Retrospectively, the global development history of the launch vehicle technology can be roughly categorized into four stages with distinct characteristics of the decades.

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Section: Autonomous Control Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Review, Prospect and Technical Challenge of Launch Vehicle

Wang

Zhang

et al. 2023

Springer Series in Astrophysics and Cosmology

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“…ALE-1 is a micro-satellite jointly developed by Tohoku University and ALE Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), and it was launched by Japanese Epsilon Launch Vehicle No. 4 on 18 January 2019 as part of the first implementation of JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program [1,2]. The mission of ALE-1 is to demonstrate the technology of artificial shooting star generation, and it is still operational in orbit.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

De-Orbit Maneuver Demonstration Results of Micro-Satellite ALE-1 with a Separable Drag Sail

et al. 2023

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ALE-1, a micro-satellite created for the demonstration of artificial shooting stars, required orbital descent before mission execution due to safety aspects in orbit. ALE-1 utilized a drag sail called SDOM (Separable De-Orbit Mechanism) for a passive de-orbit maneuver, which was successfully completed, lowering the orbit from about 500 km down to about 400 km. This paper summarizes the detailed history of satellite operation and the results of the de-orbit maneuver demonstration during the past three years. Although the SDOM sail faced difficulty in keeping the desired deployed shape of the drag sail due to mechanical troubles, by letting the sail be a drag flag instead, it could still deliver a meaningful de-orbit performance to allow the satellite to successfully lower the orbit as planned. The de-orbit effect of the drag flag was evaluated using comparisons between orbit propagation simulations and the actual orbit transition flight data provided in the form of TLE (Two-Line Element) sets. Through this study, it is demonstrated that the SDOM can provide orbit transfer capabilities for satellites. Furthermore, the de-orbit performance of the drag flag can be evaluated, which could be an important reference for the future implementation of de-orbit devices to solve space debris problems.

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“…Many original design concepts, such as the highly intelligent autonomous checkout system and the mobile launch control, are innovatively realized [1][2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next Generation Avionics System Of Future Launch Vehicle

Qi¹,

Duan²,

Sun³

et al. 2015

Proceedings of the 2015 Joint International Mechanical, Electronic and Information Technology Conference

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Abstract:One new conception avionics system of launch vehicle is proposed according to the future technology trend. Aimed at efficient, low-cost and reliable space transportation system, the entire avionics system scheme is proposed innovatively in this paper. There are some characteristics in the avionics system as following: 1) The rocket-borne devices are miniaturization and standardization designed.2) The vehicle performs checkout intelligently and autonomously.3) The connection between rocket and ground facilities is simplified remarkably. 4) The launch facilities and operation is compacted greatly. 5) Launch control and management is mobile for the wireless networks utilized. 6) The cloud technology is used to build backbone network in the launch system. The onboard devices are designed to be highly intelligent so that the vehicle performs checkout autonomously. The rocket is connected to the ground support facilities, via a high-speed network, with rare cables. On the other hand, because many checkout equipments are fixed to rocket body, lots of ground support equipments can all be eliminated and the associated set-up time and the number of personnel involved can be reduced. Moreover, all the equipments are connected via a secured high-speed network, which make it possible to conduct the launch control anytime, anywhere in the world simply by using a single laptop computer or portable device such as mobile phone, pad etc. This means having an ultimate launch control system which is independent of launch sites. In the next generation launch system, a simpler launch system allows the frequent launch by largely-reducing operational costs through enhancing aspects of operational efficiency launch systems are improved and simplified. These innovative concepts will be a role model for future launch vehicles. IntroductionThe first flight of Japan's Epsilon launch vehicle, the newest version solid propulsion rocket, makes a great response in space domain on 14, Sep, 2013. Many original design concepts, such as the highly intelligent autonomous checkout system and the mobile launch control, are innovatively realized [1][2].The lift-off of Epsilon can be executed in less than 6 days after the rocket erected on launch pad. Moreover, JAXA has been conducting intensive researches on a next generation Epsilon to launch a more powerful and lower cost version Epsilon (E1) in 2017.America, Russia and Europe also have new programs to research and develop the next generation commercial launch vehicle aimed at low cost.The new launch vehicle aims at low cost and fast launch, which is mainly decided by the avionics system.With the development of electronic and communication technology, one scheme for next generation avionics system of future launch vehicle is proposed in this paper. The Top Design For Next Generation Avionics SystemThe Design Conception. In order to cut down the cost and improve the launch frequency, some new design ideas are needed to change the traditional work flow. Firstly, compared with traditional launc...

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First Launch in Months: Japan^|^apos;s Epsilon Launcher and Its Evolution

Cited by 6 publications

References 0 publications

Review, Prospect and Technical Challenge of Launch Vehicle

Review, Prospect and Technical Challenge of Launch Vehicle

De-Orbit Maneuver Demonstration Results of Micro-Satellite ALE-1 with a Separable Drag Sail

Next Generation Avionics System Of Future Launch Vehicle

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