'Spartan' is a planned three-stage project that aims to utilize a scramjet to deliver payloads into orbit. It is hoped that the project will allow for the delivery of payloads weighing anywhere between 50 and 100 kg.
The first stage of delivery would involve the use of a reusable rocket booster called the Austral Launch Vehicle. This vehicle would launch vertically and carry the upper stages of a rocket at a speed of Mach five before releasing them at an altitude of 25 km.
This ambitious scramjet project is still in the funding stages, but it is a clear and concerted effort to make inroads into the burgeoning small satellite industry and help smaller countries launch their own satellites.
Spartan Space Scramjets
This Australian Scramjet is Designed For the Small Satellite Market
Trend Themes
1. Scramjet Technology - The use of scramjets for delivering payloads into orbit presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the aerospace industry.
2. Small Satellite Market - The growing demand for small satellites opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for companies specializing in satellite manufacturing and launch services.
3. Reusable Rocket Boosters - Developing reusable rocket boosters for space launches offers disruptive innovation opportunities to reduce the cost and environmental impact of space exploration.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - The aerospace industry has the potential to disrupt the traditional methods of payload delivery into space with the utilization of scramjet technology.
2. Satellite Manufacturing - Companies involved in satellite manufacturing can seize disruptive innovation opportunities by catering to the growing demand for smaller, more affordable satellites.
3. Space Launch Services - Space launch service providers have the potential to disrupt the market by offering cost-effective and efficient services for launching small satellites using reusable rocket boosters.