ASPIRE IVASPIRE IVFeasibility studies have been carried out into the possibility of adapting ASPIRE III into a small orbital class launcher, for the orbiting of nanosatellites (>10 kg mass). The results are promising, and the intention is to develop this vehicle over the coming years, building on the success of ASPIRE II and ASPIRE III. This could form the basis of the ASPIRE IV launcher.
WaveriderA waverider experimental flight test programme is being undertaken by AspireSpace in conjunction with STAAR Research. Over 120 succesful test flights of the first sub scale demonstrator have been conducted, both unpowered and under rocket power. These have demonstrated the stability aspects of waveriders at subsonic speeds.
The next stage of the waverider test programme is to test the waveriders at supersonic and hypersonic speeds. This will be achieved by means of launches on ASPIRE Rockets, and also using waveriders with their own hybrid engines for propulsion.
The eventual aim of the waverider programme is to attempt to fly a manned mission into space, using a liquid engined or hybrid motor waverider. This will be a small manned vehicle, with no payload apart from the crew.
Beyond the hardware stage, a number of low level feasibility studies are also in progress, on potential payloads for a future orbital capability. These include a range of small solar sails designed by Colin Jack of Oxford Mathematical Designs. The intention is to carry small sub 100 gramme landers to the Moon, and other bodies in the inner solar system, by means of the solar sails. Small CCD cameras and scientific payloads would then relay information back to Earth to be distributed to educational establishments. Thus enabling children to gain exciting knowledge of the solar system.
Feasibility studies have also been conducted into adapting the AspireSpace H1 static test hybrid motor into a potential upper stage for nanosatellites, or a descent motor for planetary landers.
Potential trajectories have been both calculated and simulated for microspacecraft missions to the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids and Mars. These would make use of either the AspireSpace H1 hybrid motor, or the Oxford Mathematical Designs Solar Sails, or both. A number of prototype 100 gramme landers have also been constructed with working electronics subsystems (Transmitter, Receiver, Flight Computer, Batteries, Solar Panels and Scientific Payload) and tested in simulated environments, purely as an academic exercise. Further development and launch opportunities are dependent on financial support being obtained.
These payloads are not of course limited to launches on AspireSpace rockets, but would make use of any suitable opportunity.
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