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Proton Upgrade Challenges Ariane 5
Paris - June 23, 1997 -  Paris - June 23, 1997 - - Lockheed Martin's announcement last week at the Paris Air Show that it is replacing the Proton Block D upper stage with the new Krunichev Breeze M stage is more than a revised edition to the Proton launch vehicle family. It effectively gives the space industry giant a "three-fer".First, it creates a new launch vehicle in the 11,000 pounds to geostationary orbit range that the U.S. commercial space launch industry has been clamoring for. With the growth in communication satellites, the telecommunications industry has been worried of late the three configurations now locked in for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), omit this important class of commercial space vehicle. U.S. industry leaders have stated that the only alternative for launching in this intermediate class, now and in the future, was aboard the French Ariane 5 booster. With LockMart's upgrade to the Proton, the new Proton M in effect eliminates this missing capability from the EELV stable. Secondly, Proton M moves out strongly against LM's competitor, Boeing's Sea Launch. The Sea Launch project features launches from an ocean platform, starting next summer, of a 3-stage variant of the Zenit rocket, using the Block D stage from the Proton. By replacing the Block D, LM in effect is saying any launcher that uses it - and not the new Breeze M - is not as competitive. This move, blocking the Zenit even before its first launches, may force Boeing to adopt the newer stage as well. Whatever happens, Lockheed Martin can say to its customer base, the Proton M was the most advanced. Boeing may have to play catch up, just to stay competitive. Lastly, it makes good on promises Lockheed made back in 1995 at the 41st Paris Air Show. Then, in announcing its International Launch Services consortium with the Russian design bureau Krunichev, Lockheed threw down a challenge that it would pursue Arianespace's virtual lock on the medium launch vehicle market. In sales in that class since the 1995 Air Show, the ILS consortium has pulled nearly even with the French space company. With commercial launches of the new Ariane 5 delayed until next year due to recovery from the 1996 Ariane 501 explosion, the upstart ILS is aiming not one but two new rocket configurations over the French customer base: with the addition of a new version of the Atlas, the Atlas IIARS, scheduled to begin flying in 2000 with 9,000 pounds to GTO. In the race for commercial space, Lockheed Martin has clearly staked out a major place. Who else will challenge their lead in the months ahead? Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Space
Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India. |
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