Introduction
Newton Launch Systems was formed to address the market need for small spacecraft launch. In doing
so, we aim to develop a launch vehicle and services appropriate to the fast growing small spacecraft
market, with an initial focus on the rapidly emerging cubesat, nanosatellite and small microsatellite
platforms.
Interest in nano and microsatellite platforms, driven in part by the emergence of the CubeSat standard,
has seen an increase in demand for launch opportunities for these type of spacecraft as they become
ever more mission capable. However the only options currently available for nano and micro-satellite
launch customers are limited to rideshare/piggyback flight opportunities, whereby one or more minor
payloads utilize the spare lift capacity available on larger launch vehicles. This entails a host of issues
ranging from cost, scheduling and integration with the primary payload. This situation will only grow
worse as no dedicated launcher exists for these spacecraft, threatening to stall the growth of this
market.
A market survey undertaken by Newton Launch Systems indicates that there is demand for a dedicated
launch service offering convenient, flexible and affordable access to a range of orbits, for spacecraft up
to 50kg mass.
The survey has identified the need for flexible pricing; customers who are price but not time sensitive
paying a lower fee for a standard ‘bus’ service, while those for whom time is of the essence and price is
less of a driver paying a premium for a ‘taxi’ service.
Furthermore, the survey suggests that there is also demand for regular suborbital flight opportunities to
allow customers to test out key hardware components prior to launch into orbit.
Newton Launch Systems are undertaking market and technical feasibility studies to determine the
correct technical approach that will satisfy the needs of the market and deliver a service and launch
vehicles that offer responsive, affordable and flexible access to space.
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd
Our Objectives
1. To design, develop and manufacture a range of small launch vehicles (and where necessary their
constituent components and systems) suitable for placing small payloads into a variety of Earth
orbits and sub-orbital space. The initial focus is on nano-satellites and small microsatellites (up
to 50kg) with a view to extending the capability to 500kg in future. The primary target orbit is
800km Sun-synchronous.
2. To use the launch vehicle technology developed in-house as the basis for offering a reliable,
responsive and competitive launch service for commercial, scientific and research satellites and
sounding rocket payloads.
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd
Meet the team
The three founder members of Newton Launch Systems have professional expertise between them in
small satellite system engineering, low cost propulsion, structural engineering, fluid mechanics and
software development.
All founder members hold relevant degrees in materials, structures and aerospace engineering. Two of
the founder members are Chartered Engineers with relevant PhDs. In addition, Newton has access to
significant knowledge and resource in the form of consultants, sub-contractors and universities.
One consultant has developed detailed trajectory and hybrid propulsion simulations, while another can
offer launch vehicle system engineering and propulsion systems expertise, and access to propulsion test
facilities.
It is envisaged that some of the development studies will be undertaken by postgraduate students at
several universities; discussions are currently on-going with several UK universities.
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd
Current activities
We are undertaking market and technical feasibility studies to determine the correct technical approach
that will satisfy the needs of the market and deliver a service and launch vehicles that offer responsive,
affordable and flexible access to space.
Market feasibility study
A market survey undertaken by Newton Launch Systems indicates that there is demand for a dedicated
launch service offering convenient, flexible and affordable access to a range of orbits, for spacecraft up
to 50kg mass.
Newton have also analysed launch records during the 2000 to 2010 period in together with studying
recent yearly launch forecasts issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and have identified
promising upward trends in the launch of the increasingly popular nano (1-10kg) to micro (<=100 kg)
class payloads into LEO. The launch of these payloads has historically been addressed by multimanifesting and secondary ‘piggy back’ payloads with a primary where spare lift capacity and volume
exists.
Evidence indicates that more and more organizations worldwide are becoming involved with small
satellite projects. Efforts have been on-going to standardize spacecraft systems and develop Plug and
Play components helped in part by the CubeSat standard developed by the California Polytechnic State
University (Cal Poly) and Stanford University's Space Systems Development Lab back in 1999.
An increasing number of universities have taken advantage of these standards helping their students
develop actual space hardware and boost interest in STEM subjects. Government agencies continue to
invest in small satellite technology development, creating new possibilities for scientific research and
providing incentives for finding innovative uses of these small satellites for both military and civil
applications. This environment generates demand for small satellite launches, as evidenced by the last
ten years of launch activity.
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Similar to the personal computer market in the early 1980s when their utility was bound by lack of
performance, the steady march of technology development will grow small satellite capabilities to
perform increasingly more capable missions. Technology currently being matured are missions that
utilize small constellations in low Earth orbit to provide persistent 24/7 data-gathering using advanced
optics or deployable high-gain antennas. Their small launch mass and ultra-low cost will enable costeffective solutions to new missions, such as sensor arrays or fractionated architectures where a larger
number of satellites are required.
With the expected increase in the number of nanosatellite missions currently being forecast, a business
case for the development of a dedicated operationally responsive launcher has become a more viable
option.
Technical feasibility study
The small size of nano-satellites allows the use of modest sized launch vehicles and limited facilities,
within the scope of current UK expertise and manufacturing. This is especially true when air-launch
options are considered.
Newton Launch Systems is currently evaluating a range of technology options as part of a
comprehensive technical and commercial feasibility study. Amongst other things, the study aims to
identify technologies that can be readily developed on a limited R&D budget, recognizing the
importance of development costs to the commercial success of launch system providers.
With this in mind, emphasis is currently being placed on hybrid rocket motors and pressure-fed liquid
propellant engines. Members of the design team have prior experience of designing and operating
cryogenic hybrid rockets and aim to capitalize on this know-how, while not closing the door to other
options.
One solution under investigation involves the air launch of a two stage vehicle from a carrier aircraft
flown from the UK. A re-usable winged first stage is envisaged with the ability to fly either back to the
launch site or to a down range airfield.
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd
Ground launched re-usable and traditional expendable vehicles are also being considered to ascertain
the optimum balance of development and operating costs. Where possible, commercially available
components and sub-systems will be used.
Our technical feasibility study will identify possible technology options and determine the key cost
factors. It will lead directly into a ‘Phase A’ study to determine the system architecture and the brief for
the concept design phase.
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd
Contact us
Email: [email protected]
Corporate Website: www.NewtonLaunchSystems.com
Newton Launch Systems Limited
Company Registration Number: 7720895
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© 2011 Newton Launch Systems Ltd