Design light reusable launch vehicle Firefly Alpha

Startup FireFly Space Systems has officially announced its first carrier rocket Firefly α . Although a small company only received funding in January, and in the state of only 25 people, but the example of recent years shows that small private companies cope well with the development of even such complex technical products. In FireFly Space Systems experienced engineers who came from SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.



The most interesting - some unusual technical solutions in the design of the launch vehicle. They have provided in order to maximize the production of missiles and reduce the cost of launching satellites weighing up to 400 kg into low Earth orbit. The founders of the company suggest that the cost of the flight will be for the customer record low $ 8-9 million.

To begin with, it is used as fuel, liquid oxygen and methane. Last never used for this type of missiles. During takeoff Firefly Alpha will shine pleasant blue light, like a regular stove.



Aerospike engine i>

At the first stage install Firefly Alpha Aerospike engine (Aerospike). Such engine gradually reduces the pressure of the gas jet from the nozzle to maintain the aerodynamic efficiency at different pressure atmosphere, that is at different heights. This is to reduce the mass of the rocket, savings are achieved both by fuel (25-30% less) and by lung nozzle.

The missile body is made of carbon-carbon composite as sheathing of individual elements of the US space shuttle in 1981 release. Only modern technology allows you to make the material stronger and lighter.

In general, reusable rocket to order improve profitability O cargo into orbit. For example, the production and launch of the Falcon 9 costs about $ 60 million , while the cost of fuel is 0 3% of the total price, and the cost of materials for the manufacture of missiles is 2% of the price. The rest - is human labor for assembly, component testing, documentation, etc. That's why it's important to put the second stage on Earth.



The second stage Firefly Alpha i>

Firefly Alpha will be the first in a series of devices that are going to release FireFly Space Systems. In future models will increase load capacity, but the design will remain the same.

Hard to believe that this "miracle" will take off, and even more land. But the Falcon 9 is also difficult to believe 10 years ago. A mock Falcon 1, by the way, had about the same small size and load capacity of 430 kg. From the first tests to commercial cargo delivery to the ISS has been only 8 years (2006-2014).

Source: habrahabr.ru/post/229197/