This activity is a starting point activity that aims developing the core competencies needed to enable the creation of a Portuguese Micro Launch System to target the deployment of small satellites, with great emphasis in propulsion technologies, further developing the European autonomy on this market segment. The main objective of this activity is to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of a new launch system for access to space of satellites with mass up to 200 kg.

Mostly in the last decade, a number of initiatives have unfolded, also in Europe, for the development of a dedicated orbital launcher to serve the micro- and nano-satellite market demand with an addressable market varying by up to 100% across launch and demand studies. These initiatives as a result aim at specifically addressing light satellite customers’ claimed pain points including time and date availability, orbit selection, responsiveness, pricing, volume restrictions or complexity.

It is predicted a development cost of €52 Million, with total launch costs ranging from €3.8 million to €5.7 million considering a new launch system for access to space of satellites with a mass between 140kg and 180kg. Azores location was studied and mission profiles based on the unique geographical advantage were also studied including polar, sunsynchronous orbits and medium inclination launches. Preliminary sizing was done for a vehicle capable to perform the reference missions. Phase 0 of PMLS was successfully completed.

With the market demand duly recognized and possessing a territory with undeniable geographic advantages for the operation of launch vehicles (Azores), the last decades of technological and industrial development in Portugal and the years of cooperation with the European space industry may be leveraged to create a Portuguese Micro Launch System, for the small satellite launch market for both.

Following the successful evaluation of the MDR (mission definition review) the PMLS will enter Phase 1 – Feasibility. The overall objective of this activity is to perform two parallel studies to assess the Sub-Orbital vehicle definition and Flight Engine definition and derive requirements for the detailed technology building block activity.