100 LBS TO Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Small-Payload Launch Options

In this report, we examine the options for launching small payloads to Low Earth Orbit LEO. Small is taken as, approximately, mp100 lbm, or perhaps a small multiple of that. Various launch options are considered, including single and multi-stage, ground and air launched rockets, as well as the potential advantages of an intermediate air breathing boost stage. Fundamental constraints between payload to total mass ratio, in a variety of launch vehicles, reveal a simple scaling persisting to small payloads. As a consequence, similar lbm to LEO injection costs can be expected to apply to all launch vehicles developed for the purpose. Such small payload, small total cost launch options should be regarded as a technology enabling development that may well spawn new defense, as well as civilian options, and markets. We recommend that such launch options be examined in sufficient detail to determine practical objectives and development paths to bring low cost, small payload launch systems to the military and the market.