Equatorial Space Systems
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| File:ESS LAD on launch rail.jpg Low Altitude Demonstrator on launch rail in Perak, Malaysia in 2020 | |
| Type | Private |
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| Founded | 2017 in Singapore.[1] |
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| Website | equatorialspace.com |
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Equatorial Space Systems PTE LTD. also known as Equatorial Space, is a Singapore-based company that develops hybrid-engine rockets and space launch services. The company was founded by Simon Gwozdz and Praveen Ganapathi Perumal in 2017 in Singapore, with the goal to develop low-cost space launch vehicles.[2]
History
Equatorial Space Industries(ESI) was founded in October 2017 by Simon Gwozdz and Praveen Ganapathi Perumal.
In December 2017, ESI secures incubation space at The Hangar by National University of Singapore Enterprise.
About a year after ESI was founded, in October 2018, ESI Wins Mohammad Bin Rashid Innovation Cup in Dubai.
James Anderson joins ESI as new CTO in August 2019.
ESI conducts the first ground test with HRF-1AL solid fuel in October 2019.
In April 2020, ESI reformed and rebranded as Equatorial Space Systems(ESS).
ESS conducted the Low Altitude Demonstrator mission in December 2020.
In October 2021, ESS Qualifies for Q Station Accelerator in New Mexico.
In January 2022, ESS Qualifies for the TechStars Accelerator in Los Angeles.[3]
Rockets
Low Altitude Demonstration (LAD)
The 2.4 meter tall, 22-kilogram LAD (Low Altitude Demonstrator) rocket was designed as a flight test for ESS' HRF-1 solid fuel formulation, which is a development of the company's Chief Technology Officer Jamie Anderson.[4]
The LAD rocket was successfully launched to an altitude of 1,200 meters, at 11:40am MYT on Monday the 21st of December 2020. The launch which took place at the Felcra Palm Oil Estate in Perak, Malaysia, is the first cross border collaboration involving a privately developed rocket with hybrid propulsion in the South East Asia region.[5][6]
Dorado
Dorado is a suborbital sounding rocket with a diameter of 310 mm, and will have a single and dual stage version capable of delivering a 25 kilogram payload to 105 and 270 kilometers respectively. Dorado's hybrid rocket motor and pyrotechnic free payload separation are unique features, and its first launch targeted for 2023 will make be South East Asia's first commercial rocket launch.[7]
Volans
Volans is a small satellite launch vehicle, designed to be modular and deliver 60 to 500 kg to LEO. It's maiden flight is expected to be no earlier than 2024. Volans is 2 meters wide and stands 12-30 m tall. [8] Volans is planned to become a reusable launch vehicle with a unique recovery method, where instead of propulsive landings like the Falcon 9, it plans to use rotating blades to land the first stage.[9]
Technology
Engine Development
ESS began testing their hybrid rocket motors in October 2019 with a 7-second test fire of their LAD Hybrid Rocket Motor.
ESS became the first private enterprise to launch a commercial and non-solid rocket in Southeast Asia on 21 December 2020.[10]
ESS conducted a 6-second test fire of their HRF1-AL Sub Scale motor in March 2022. A full scale rocket motor would be used for the Dorado sounding rocket.
ESS plans to develop a large hybrid rocket motor called the H700 motor for its Volans orbital rocket in 2024. Testing of a full scale rocket motor is planned to occur next year. The H700 motor will feature "an innovative delivery pump" called the eRAVEN which will increase oxidizer supply pressure to improve engine performance.[11]
ESS’s website also states that a larger H1800 motor will be developed in 2025, providing 2MN of thrust.[12]
According to the company's website, Volans will feature a "unique restartable hybrid third stage", allowing for accurate orbital insertion, as well as multi-payload deployment due to the restartable engine.
MicroLab
MicroLab is a science experiment platform designed for suborbital and orbital missions and can be launched on the suborbital Dorado rocket or the orbital Volans rocket. MicroLab is also designed for compatibility with the International Space Station. Their sizes range from 90x30x48mm to 198x95x48mm.[13]
CubeSats
ESS also build CubeSats, ranging from 1U to 24U, covering almost all mission requirements and payload configurations.[14]
References
- ^ "Singapore launch company Equatorial Space Industries wins 2018 MBRSC Innovation Challenge". SpaceTech Asia. 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "Southeast Asia's first commercial rocket could soon be launched by a Singaporean company: Startup Stories". KrASIA. 2 December 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "News". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
- ^ "the Technology". Equatorial Space Systems. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Singapore's Equatorial Space Systems concludes first test flight". SpaceTech Asia. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "Malaysia a Potential Rocket Technology Hub in Southeast Asia". Ipoh Echo. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "Fourms". NasaSpaceflight. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ "Volans". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
- ^ "Orbital". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
- ^ "HRF-1 Qualification Flights". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
- ^ "About Us". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
- ^ "Propulsion". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
- ^ "MicroLab". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
- ^ "CubeSats". Equatorial Space. Retrieved 2022-08-31.