How does Launch Vehicle Works and Help Satellites in Achieving Desired Orbit Height?
Launch system or launch vehicle refers to machines that are used to carry spacecraft from the Earth’s surface into the space.
A satellite launch system either helps the spacecraft during its final course, intermediate trajectory, or from the specific orbit from where the final trajectory is aimed to achieve.
In the last few decades, there have been several technical advancements taken place in the space sector that made these launch vehicles more effective and better in terms of safety and power.
To get a better understanding of launch vehicles, let’s discuss in-depth about it and how exactly launch vehicles work.
Introduction to Satellite Launch Vehicle
Launch Vehicle also known as launch rocket is used for launching any spacecraft in the space.
This vehicle is developed to execute operations in different stages.
- First Stage
The first stage of the satellite launch vehicle involves using large amount of fuel to provide the initial push in order to lift the satellite from the earth’s surface for launching into the sky.
The launching vehicle needs to be extremely powerful because the spacecraft launched is much heavier in weight, nearly hundreds of tons. So, to lift them, it requires double force to be generated by launch vehicles.
Once the complete fuel is used up for the lifting process, the first stage is over and no longer required. So, after the completion of the work, the part breaks off from the launch vehicles and falls on the Earth’s surface.
- Second Stage
During the second stage, the additional smaller rockets attached to the main launch vehicle ignite. These rockets have their own fuel tanks that help in further motion of the launch vehicle.
This stage is used for propelling the satellites out of the Earth’s orbit. Just like the first stage, once the second stage ends, the smaller rockets start parting ways from the main launch vehicle and fall back to earth.
- Upper Stage
The upper stage, also called the last stage of the launch vehicle, mainly involves the final placement of the satellite into its desired orbital position. During this stage, a metal guard known as “fairing” gets detached from the main satellite which has been put there to protect the satellite during the entire journey.
The main rocket burns itself down the upper stage once the main satellite reaches space and is placed in the exact spot it needs to be.
After reaching the desired orbit position, the satellite begins its main operation by spreading its communication antenna and solar panels that were installed in it.
Most Used Type of Launch Vehicle
The demand for a small launch vehicle (SLV) is constantly increasing for carrying payloads in a more cost-effective manner.
A small launch vehicle (SLV) refers to a type of launch vehicle (also known as launch rocket) that can carry a payload (maximum of 2,200 Kg) to low Earth orbit (LEO) in a mission.
Since 1950, the use of small lift-launch vehicles has constantly witnessed several technical advancements and high operation across the world and making SLVs the most used launch vehicle type for spacecraft
After 2014, the small launch vehicle market has witnessed massive growth due to the increasing SLV manufacturers and launch service providers.
Market Overview of the Small Launch Vehicle (SLV)
As per the BIS Research report, the rising number of satellite constellations for applications like Earth observation, remote sensing, communication, and technology developments are expected to be the main factors pushing the growth of the global small launch vehicle market.
Furthermore, the launch vehicle market is witnessing major evolution in the technical aspects and replacing the conventional method of deploying costly, large, and complex launch vehicles.
The manufacturers of launch vehicles are now more focused on developing less complex, smaller, cost-efficient, and reusable launch vehicles which are facilitated by the development of the smaller satellites.
As per the BIS Research, the global small launch vehicle market is anticipated to touch $4.62billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 13.34% during the period of 2022–2032.
Working of Launch Vehicle
A launch vehicle is a good example of Newton’s third law of motion, “for every action there is an opposite equal reaction”.
In the launch vehicle, the “action” is referred to as the flow of the exhaust gas produced by the combustion of the fuels present in the rocket engine.
The “reaction” is referred to the pressure, known as thrust, that pushes the launch system in the opposite direction of the exhaust flow (or towards space).
The main goal of the launch vehicle design is to increase the launch system’s weight-lifting capabilities while at the same time providing a required level of dependability at an acceptable cost.
Conclusion
The use of a small satellite launch vehicle can be highly beneficial for the space industry in reducing the cost for operation for launching satellites.
With the use of SLV, the space industry can become capable of launching satellites with the minimum requirements of launch infrastructures.
Are you interested to know more about the developing technologies in your industry vertical? Get the latest market studies and insights from BIS Research. Connect with us at hello@bisresearch.com to learn and understand more.
