The 135-foot rail launcher to be used in 撸sir视频ʻi’s first space launch, known as ORS-4, was unveiled on October 28 at the (NTS) facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NTS and Western Fabrication built the rail launcher. A full-sized model of the Super Strypi rocket that will be used in the 撸sir视频ʻi launch was also unveiled.
The mission manager for the launch is the Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office. The open house event was hosted by ORS and project partners Sandia National Laboratories, the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauaʻi, Aerojet Rocketdyne Corp., and the University of 撸sir视频ʻi’s (HSFL). The launch is currently planned for spring 2014.
The ORS-4 mission is sponsored by the ORS Office and is the first launch of the Super Strypi launch system. This mission will demonstrate a new, low-cost launch capability able to deliver 300 kilograms to low-earth orbit. This is the first orbital launch from the Pacific Missile Range Facility and will carry the University of 撸sir视频ʻi’s hyperspectral imager as the primary payload, along with 12 cubesats in an integrated payload stack. This demonstration will enable low-cost launch alternatives and range processes for the future.
When the Super Strypi rocket takes flight from the U.S. Navy’s PMRF on Kauaʻi, it will be carrying a satellite designed and built by University of 撸sir视频ʻi faculty and 撸sir视频. 撸sir视频 will have also played a significant role in getting the satellite into space. With this mission, 撸sir视频 has become one of the only universities in the world to have both satellite fabrication capabilities and direct access to orbital space.
Interim President David Lassner said, “The University of 撸sir视频ʻi is pleased to support the state in becoming a low-cost gateway to space and to provide our 撸sir视频 with real-world experience that will be invaluable as we train 撸sir视频ʻi’s aerospace workforce.”
HSFL is responsible for payload development, and project management of the rail launcher and launch pad. The University of 撸sir视频ʻi’s faculty and 撸sir视频 are building the primary payload called HiakaSat. “Hiaka” means “to recite legends or fabulous stories” in 撸sir视频ian. It is also an acronym for Hyperspectral Imaging, Aeronautical Kinematic Analysis. The 110-pound satellite is being designed to do a number of things including performing thermal hyperspectral imaging.
HSFL was established in 2007 within the University of 撸sir视频ʻi at Mānoa’s and the . As a multidisciplinary research and education center, HSFL brings together individuals from diverse areas and other 撸sir视频 campuses to work on the exploration and understanding of the space environment. will be the primary communications link for the satellite. is designing one of the satellite payloads and will operate a receiving station during the mission. and are also involved.
Lassner said, “The 撸sir视频ʻi Space Flight Laboratory has brought in more than $35 million in government funding for this project and is partnering with top tier aerospace companies for our state’s first space launch. It is a great example of the critical role 撸sir视频 plays in the to build the research sector and to create exciting jobs for future generations.”
HSFL Director Luke Flynn says the university would like to be able to launch small satellites on a regular basis, which will attract companies that are looking for affordable ways to test space technology. HSFL is looking for partners willing to invest in this endeavor.
The launch rail system will now be disassembled and moved to Kauaʻi, where it will be reassembled for the 2014 launch.
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撸sir视频ʻi Innovation Initiative (HI2)
The University of 撸sir视频ʻi is working in partnership with the private sector and government to build a thriving $1-billion research enterprise in 撸sir视频ʻi that will develop a third major economic sector for the state, create thousands of high-quality living-wage jobs and address the challenges and opportunities that face our communities and the world to improve our quality of life. Visit the for more information.