The Aurora launch vehicle is a Russian designed and manufactured launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads to both low earth and geosynchronous transfer orbits.

Mr. David Kwon, Managing Director of APSC, said "We are very pleased and excited about the approval and we are now one crucial step closer towards realizing our objective to develop the first wholly private sector owned and operated space launch facility".

APSC has formed an international consortium with Russian partners, including the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, RSC Energia, Samara Central Specialized Design Bureau and Progress Plant ("TsSKB-Progress") and the Design Bureau of General Machine Building ("KBOM"), each of which has significant experience in producing and launching the most reliable and successful rockets into space.

The Aurora Rocket Space Complex will feature the adaptation of proven Russian launch system hardware. Aurora launch vehicle includes both three- and four-stage versions designed to enable delivery of payloads to LEO, GTO, and GEO from one launch facility.

Using the three-stage configuration, up to 12 metric tons will be delivered to low earth orbit, with inclinations ranging from 10 to 110 degrees. In its four-stage configuration, Aurora is capable of delivering 4.5 metric tons of payload to geosynchronous transfer orbit at 11 degrees inclination and over 2 metric tons direct to geostationary orbit.

Aurora is built around the use of four strap-on liquid oxygen-kerosene boosters and a core stage using the NK-33 propulsion system. An enhanced variant of the BLOCK-E (Stage 3) powered by the RD-0124 engine, and a derivative of the Russian BLOCK-DM stage called Corvet (Upper Stage) complete the design.

The Corvet is a liquid oxygen-kerosene powered upper stage using one 11D58M engine manufactured by NPO Voronezh. The Corvet carries up to 10 mt of propellant and is capable of interfacing with known commercial satellite buses using Aurora's 4.1 meter external diameter payload fairing.

"Aurora offers very low development risk by relying on the heritage and flight experience of programs such as Molniya, Soyuz, Energia and Proton'. Through the use of reliable Russian technology, aggressive marketing and a total commitment to customer requirements, APSC will provide an attractive alternative to existing launch service providers. This will be an exciting opportunity for satellite operators", stated Mr. Kwon.

The first commercial launch is planned for the last quarter of 2003. APSC is currently negotiating with a number of potential major satellite users, with the aim of providing the best quality service available that is both efficient and cost-effective.

Launch opportunities are available starting at the end of 2003. After introduction, manufacturing and launch rates are projected to ramp up to as many as 15 launches per year by 2006.

Russia to build island space facility with Australian firm

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