Rapid Response Launch Technology for Small Satellite Assets

Leo Aerospace is developing a launch vehicle for dedicated, rapid-response launch of small satellite assets 25kg and under. By using a "rockoon" vehicle--that is, a hybrid rocket and balloon concept--Leo Aerospace is capable of 24 hour turn around time between "call up" and on-orbit deployment of Air Force assets. This capability comes as a result of a fully mobile architecture that is capable of launching anywhere in the world, simplified rocket architectures that reduce over-all cost and complexity while remaining long-term shelf stable, and a fully autonomous and reusable balloon platform. Performed prototype testing launch of a high-power rocket from an autonomous, reusable balloon platform in the Mojave Desert in December, 2018 under the first ever Certificate of Authorization issued by the FAA for such a test.