September 2013
WEPA-Technologies did present their research focussed
on
“Preliminary, experimental studies to develop a micro-satellite launch system”
at PiNa2013 conference in Würzburg / Germany (7th Pico- and Nano-Satellite Workshop on "Technologies for Small Satellite Research").
The presentation can be downloaded - an abstract is given below.
General Information concerning the conference can be extracted here:
http://www7.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de/conferences/pina2013/
Abstract:
Preliminary, experimental studies to develop a micro-satellite launch system
(7th Pico- and Nano-Satellite Workshop on "Technologies for Small
Satellite Research")
WEPA-Technologies GmbH / Forschungsgemeinschaft Alternative Raumfahrt e.V.
Authors: Dr.-Ing. Peter Weuta (WEPA-Technologies GmbH), Dipl.-Ing. Neil Jaschinski (WEPA-Technologies GmbH), Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Michael Witthaus (FAR), Dr. rer. nat. David Madlener (FAR)
The development of a launch system able to deliver payloads like micro satellites into LEO for commercial use is the holy grail of private space flight. We present the out-line of the µLauncher, a system with simple and cost effective design, high reliability and use of ‚green propellants’.
A precursor of the propulsion system for this launch system based on a turbo pump fed, liquid propellant engine burning LOx / Ethanol is currently under development by WEPA. To reduce development time the basic configuration is based on proven designs used in the rocket programs of the former Soviet Union and USA.
Forschungsgemeinschaft Alternative Raumfahrt (FAR) has worked on technologies to achieve significant reduction in costs and risk in space flight since its foundation in 2003 and has gathered extensive experience in developing small sounding rockets, solid and hybrid propulsion systems, test stand design and instrumentation.
WEPA-Technologies has been founded in 2011 to provide development and manufacturing solutions in the field of Automation, Engineering and Aerospace.
The current joint effort is the development of a sounding rocket designed to reach heights up to 100 km for test and qualification of µLauncher sub-systems and nano-satellite release mechanisms.
WEPA / FAR are open to interested parties to join current activities.