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The Most Advanced Medium-Class Launch Vehicle

Rocket

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149 views2 pages

The Most Advanced Medium-Class Launch Vehicle

Rocket

Uploaded by

shohagsts
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GX Launch Vehicle

The Most Advanced Medium-Class Launch Vehicle


GX Launch Vehicle
The Most Advanced Medium-Class Launch Vehicle LNG Propulsion System
The Galaxy Express (GX) launch vehicle will be a medium-
class, two-stage liquid rocket capable of launching ~3,000-kg
(~6,500-lb) satellites to 500 km (~310-nmi) sun-synchronous
orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California.

The world’s first LNG propulsion The GX launch vehicle’s first


system applied for second stage employs the United
stage, with a wide range of Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas
Image Courtesy of JAXA
V booster, powered by the
promising applications for the
Russian-made RD-180
future. engine. The Liquid Oxygen Test Fire
(LOX)/kerosene RD-180
engine can be throttled over a wide range and is capable of
producing a liftoff thrust of 3.8 MN (860,000 lbf). ULA will
also provide a flight-proven avionics package for use on the
second stage.

The vehicle’s second stage employs Japan’s newly developed


LOX/Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. The
LNG system represents leading-edge technology that is
environmentally friendly and potentially can be used for future,
long-duration space exploration.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is


Image Courtesy of JAXA
developing the LNG propulsion system. JAXA demonstrated
the LNG propulsion technology through the series of
successful hot firing tests using full-scaled engine key
components. Mission Duty Cycle (MDC) firing test will be
conducted using a flight-type model by the summer of 2009 to
ensure the maturity of LNG propulsion technology. Payload Fairing
Customer-provided Spacecraft
GX launch operations are scheduled to begin in 2012 from
VAFB. After two test flights, launch services will be marketed LOX/LNG Stage II
to both government and commercial customers.
LOX Tank Payload Adapter
Forward Adapter
RP-1 Tank
Aft Stub Adapter

RD-180 Engine 400 Interstage Adapter

Common Core Booster

www.ulalaunch.com
Copyright © 2009 United Launch Alliance, LLC.
All rights reserved.
Printed in USA.
http://www.galaxy-express.co.jp/

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