Although smaller than the previous Houndstone series, they are much more efficient at their job. Plus the two B-8A boosters of the A-2A variant have parachutes fitted so that, when jettisoned, they can float back down to the ocean. They are then picked up and reused for the next launch! Additional smaller solid-booster rockets are also fitted to aid jettison of spent stages. This is to prevent a repeat of CommSat VI's launch when a booster collided with the rocket during separation, causing a premature shutdown.
The second-stage booster, called the S2-4B, is an advanced design and is used on both variants A compact attitude control system has been installed that provides excellent control of the booster and it's payload. In addition, a heavy-duty battery pack and small solar array (contained within the payload fairing) can supply power to itself and the probe during launch and long-duration space flight if required. The booster can also be remote-controlled once the payload has been jettisoned for de-orbiting or impact testing.
A comparison chart of the Union launch vehicles compared to the Houndstone series
'We needed an improved launch vehicle,' one of the lead Engineers said at the KSC. 'The Houndstone's were good, but they were expensive and wasteful. These Union launch vehicles are not only more efficient, but the boosters are reusable. Much work and testing has gone into these and we've been delivered some great machines as a result.'
A Union A-2A variant during a test-launch
The Union A-2A's will be used to take future Celestia missions to the Mun. Both variants are expected to remain in service for a long-time to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment