2023,
March --Vector Launch has concluded an agreement with the company Ursa Major
for the supply of "Hadley" engines !!
2019, Aug. 09 -- In response to a significant
change in financing, Vector Launch Inc announced that it is undertaking
a pause of operations. A core team is evaluating options on completing the development
of the company�s Vector-R small launch vehicle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017, August 03 -- Vector Space
Systems has launched a further prototype of the company�s Vector-R
block 0.0 But the engine worked only about 10 seconds.
2017, May 03 --
Vector Space Systems has its Vector-R block 0.0 vehicle after
an abort in April now successfully launched. Because of the low fuel charge
(mini-tanks), the engine worked only a few seconds and the rocket reached an
altitude of 1370 m.
2017, April 06 -- Vector Space
Systems has announced its first test flight of Vector-R block 0.0 (only one
engine is used).
2016, July 30 -- First flight for testing the 2nd stage engine on small
P-20 vehicle with Propylene/LOX propellant.
2016, May 19 -- Vector Space Systems announced the successful test of
its second stage engine. The test, which took place in Mojave, California on
May 14, featured the company's second stage high-performance engine for its
launch vehicle. Employing 3D printed components, the engine produces 800 pounds
of thrust with a high specific impulse for maximum fuel efficiency.
Vector Space Systems,
a Micro Satellite space launch enterprise comprised of veterans from SpaceX,
Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch. Vector Space Systems, was
formed to fundamentally change the dynamics and economics of the space launch
industry.
The Tucson, Arizona-based new company plans also to use the funding to continue
development of its Vector small launch vehicle (Vector
Wolverine).
That vehicle is based on technology under development
for several years by
Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, a small Long Beach,
California, company that has built suborbital prototypes of a small launch vehicle.
John Garvey, the founder of Garvey Spacecraft Corporation and chief technology
officer of Vector Space Systems, contributed intellectual property and assets
from that work to accelerate development of this new vehicle.
|
Vector Space is fielding a family of small launch vehicles consisting of the
Vector-R (Rapide) and the Vector-H (Heavy). The Vector-R is design for rapid
and frequent launch of payloads weighing up to 50 kg and will be available for
commercial flights in 2018 and is designed to have launch cadence up to 100
flights per year. The Vector-H is a larger vehicle based on the Vector-R design
but capable of deploying 100kg class satellites into LEO and launching small
deep space missions. The Vector-H will be available in mid 2019 for commercial
flights at launch cadences up to 25 flights per year. Both launch vehicles will
operate from either Kodiak Alaska (PSCA) or Cape Canaveral (CCAFS).
The Vector launch vehicle family derives historically from the Garvey Spacecraft
NLV-20 launch vehicle that has been under development for a number of years.
These vehicles use an all carbon fiber fuselage along with pressurized propulsion
feed systems operated by patented pressurization systems using safe low pressure
systems. The Vector-R is a larger version of the NLV-20 using three first stage
engines and a larger second stage for more orbital insertion capability. The
Vector-H is a stretched version of the Vector-R and uses a five engine first
stage with longer tanks and a full diameter second stage. Both vehicles share
common avionics and engines. Vector Space offer optional electric third stages
and both standard and enlarged payload fairings for both vehicles.
The Vector-R launches 50 kg to Low Earth orbit with a small, simple two-stage
rocket. Vector Space launch into polar and Sun Synchronous orbits from the Pacific
Spaceport Complex in Alaska (PSCA) and low inclination orbits from Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. An optional Electric Upper Stage (EUS)
will place up to 45 kg into 800 km orbits.
Until now, Micro Satellites have relied on secondary launches aboard larger
launch vehicles leaving the choice of destination and launch schedule to others.
Vector is the world�s smallest launch vehicle on the market dedicated to servicing
micro satellites and will provide frequent and reliable space access allowing
you to go where you want when you want.
The Vector-H launches 110 kg to Low Earth orbit with a small, simple two-stage
rocket. Vector Space launch into polar and Sun Synchronous orbits from the Pacific
Spaceport Complex in Alaska (PSCA) and low inclination orbits from Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. An optional Electric Upper Stage (EUS)
will place up to 100 kg into 800 km orbits. (Source: Vector Space).

Note: Vector-H is planed with 6
LP-1 engines for the first stage, and new second stage engine LP-3
|

Wolverine
(Garvey NLV-20)
|