SPARK (rocket)

Super Strypi (also SPARK for Space -borne Payload Assist Rocket - Kauai ) is an in-process U.S. launch vehicle for small payloads. The first launch is scheduled for October 2014.

Installation and use

The Super Strypi is a further development of the suborbital rocket Strypi and has been like this from Sandia National Laboratories developed.

All three levels of Stuper Strypi use solid engines that were developed by Aerojet. The first stage uses a GEM -46- engine which has already been used in the delta rocket as a booster. The second stage is driven by a Orbus -7S. The third stage can either use a star - 30BP - engine or a Orbus -1.

The initial weight will be about 28,200 kg. For the start of a modified scout launch tower is used, in which the missile is inclined about 75 ° and is guided on rails in the starting phase. The firing times of the three stages are approximately 79, 62 and 51 seconds, bringing a payload of about 250 kg can be placed in an orbit of 400 km altitude. Responsible for the launch and payload, the University of Hawaii.

Start list

Performed start

As a starting point the Kokole Point Launch Pad at the Kauai Test Facility ( Barking Sands ) is provided in Hawaii. So far has been carried out, no start.

Planned start

As of January 17, 2014

1 Not necessarily the target orbit of the payload - but the path on which the payload from the upper stage to be exposed (te).