ASR Epsilon

 
 

 

The Advanced Solid Rocket has investigated to pursue the world top-class launch vehicle for small-sat missions.
It aims at a simple system configuration and satisfaction of various users� requests flexibly. The configuration is designed considering the balance of the target cost and the system requirement. The system requirement of payload capability is decided considering scale and variety of the target missions.
Three stages configuration is chosen. This configuration makes various orbits come true. The 3rd stage is spin stabilized. This simple specification leads to lower cost and lighter weight. As a result, it also gains more payload capability.
The total propellant mass of 2nd and 3rd stage motors (these are new design) is minimized in a possible range of satisfying the system requirement. It aims at both the performance and the cost reduction compatibly.
The propellant mass is distributed to 2nd and 3rd stage motors optimizing the performance of each representative mission (LEO, SSO, GTO, LTO).
Additionally, based on this three stages launch vehicle, optional PBS is prepared. This system is simple and flexible. It improve injection accuracy, and realize separating satellite after de-spin by using the 3-axis control system.
The PBS (Post Boost Stage) is mono-propellant stage on top of the 3rd stage. This system is a part of top stage, so that it is designed to become lighter weight and compact one.

                                                                               

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch Japans new solid-fuel rocket Epsilon-1 with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) satellite onboard on Aug. 22, 2013. The launch site is the Uchinoura Space Center.


Performance

Launcher

LEO (t)

SSO (t)

ASR Epsilon

1.200

 -

ASR Epsilon/PBS

 

0.450
ASR Epsilon-2

1.500

 -
ASR Epsilon-2/CLPS

 

0.590

 

Beginning with the second flight in December 2016, the initial Epsilon configuration will be replaced by the improved Epsilon-2, which features a M-35 stage 2 and a KM-V3 stage 3, which both will have non-extending nozzles. Optionally, a new liquid fueled fourth stage (CLPS, Compact Liquid Propulsion Stage) can be carried.

An Epsilon-S is an upgraded version, is in the project stage and is to be commercialized. An SRB-3 from the new H-3 SLV is used as the first stage. The solid-state motor KM-V2c of the third stage is replaced by a new larger motor KM-X. This stage is not in fairing as before, which has been shortened by 2 m.