ROCKOT: the proven, competitive launch system for small satellites

The ROCKOT launcher, its performance and actual status of the commercial pr ogram is described. ROCKOT can launch satellites weighing up to 1850 kg int o polar, sun synchronous (SSO) or other low earth orbits (LEO). The ROCKOT launch vehicle is based on the former Russian SS-19 strategic missile. The first and second stages are inherited from the SS-19, the third stage BREEZ E has been newly developed and is characterised by multiple ignition capabi lity. The extremely high flexibility of both the payload accommodation and the launch systems allows the fast service: a nominal launch campaign lasts 19 working days and consists of the operations regarding the launch vehicl e, the spacecraft and combined system launch vehicle / spacecraft. The high degree of maturity of the launch vehicle and the launch systems co ntribute to the competitively fair price level. The ROCKOT launch system is flight proven and marketed by EUROCKOT. EUROCKOT Launch Services GmbH has been founded by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany and Khrunishev State Research and Production Space Centre of Ru ssia KSRC to offer world-wide cost effective launch services on the ROCKOT launch system. ROCKOT will perform two flights in 1999 and updated information on the camp aigns is contained in the paper. (C) 2000 Eurockot Launch Services GmbH. Pu blished by Elsevier Science Ltd.