Ganymede

Design driver: Develop a user-friendly, low-cost, dedicated launch vehicle for nanosatellite payloads

Project Guidelines

• Low-cost, dedicated CubeSat launch vehicle
• $350K/12U = $30K/kg
•  25% lower cost than contemporary options
• Designed for 350 nmi equatorial circular orbit (or energy equivalent)
• Pop-and-turn ascent trajectory
• Launch with minimal infrastructure or setup
• Pressure-fed Propane/LOX motors
• Modular design - adjust capability by adjusting number of Common Booster Modules used

Results

• Upper-stage motor fabricated and fired using propane/GOX
• Triplex PID controller fabricated

Outcome

• Motors to be redesigned for liquid propellants
• Project currently undergoing review and re-scope for A-round funding