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This Document Contains No ITAR Restricted Information And Cleared for General Public Distribution
Table of Contents
VEHICLE PERFORMANCE 4

OPERATIONS & MISSION PROFILES 5

PAYLOAD SERVICES 7

ENVIRONMENTS 8

VECTOR FACILITIES 9

CUSTOMER CONTACT 10

Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Vector Launch Vehicle Family

Vector Space is fielding a family of small launch vehicles consisting of the Vector-R (Rapide)
and the Vector-H (Heavy). The Vector-R is design for rapid and frequent launch of payloads
weighing up to 50 kg and will be available for commercial flights in 2018 and is designed to
have launch cadence up to 100 flights per year. The Vector-H is a larger vehicle based on
the Vector-R design but capable of deploying 100kg class satellites into LEO and launching
small deep space missions. The Vector-H will be available in mid 2019 for commercial flights
at launch cadences up to 25 flights per year. Both launch vehicles will operate from either
Kodiak Alaska (PSCA) or Cape Canaveral (CCAFS).

Figure 1. Vector-R is the smallest commercial satellite launch vehicle in the world with the highest launch rate by design.

The Vector launch vehicle family derives historically from the Garvey Spacecraft NLV-20
launch vehicle that has been under development for a number of years. These vehicles use
an all carbon fiber fuselage along with pressurized propulsion feed systems operated by
patented pressurization systems using safe low pressure systems. The Vector-R is a larger
version of the NLV-20 using three first stage engines and a larger second stage for more
orbital insertion capability. The Vector-H is a stretched version of the Vector-R and uses a five
engine first stage with longer tanks and a full diameter second stage. Both vehicles share
common avionics and engines. We offer optional electric third stages and both standard and
enlarged payload fairings for both vehicles.

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Vector-R Vehicle Overview

Until now, Micro and Nano Satellites have relied on secondary launches aboard larger launch
vehicles leaving the choice of destination and launch schedule to others. Vector is the world’s
smallest launch vehicle on the market dedicated to servicing micro satellites and will provide
frequent and reliable space access allowing you to go where you want when you want.

The Vector-R launches 50 kg to Low Earth orbit with a small, simple two-stage rocket. We
launch into polar and Sun Synchronous orbits from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska
(PSCA) and low inclination orbits from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida.
Our optional Electric Upper Stage (EUS) will place up to 45 kg into 800 km orbits.

Composite Fairing

Payload & Upper Stage

Vector-R Expanded View
Second Stage

1 X 3,700N Engine

Composite Inter-stage Adapter

1st / 2nd Stage Composite Pressurized Tanks

3 X 25,000N LOX/Propylene Engines

Vehicle Summary
Overall length 12 meters Pressurized fuel feed systems
First stage diameter 1.2 meters No explosive ordinance
Gross Lift Off Weight (GLOW): 5000 kg Autonomous flight termination

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Vector-R Capabilities
The Vector-R operates from a mobile launch platform from either the PSCA or the CCAFS. The Vector
launch vehicle requires a minimum setup time, minimum range resources, and can operate from
remote locations other than our standard ranges. The Vector-R is designed for flight rates of more
than 100 flights per year at full operational capability.

Service Value
Payload • 30 kg (75 lbm) to 450 km (243) nmi Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• 50 kg / 110 lbm to 200 km / 108 nmi circular 28.5 degree inclination Low
Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Payloads launch WITHOUT canisters (flying naked)
• Payload Dynamic Volume:
• 500 mm / 20 inch cone base diameter
• 400 mm / 14 inch cone top diameter at 600 mm / 24 inch height
from base
• 860 mm / 34 inch overall payload fairing envelope length

Launch • Up to 1000 km and greater depending upon payload and inclination

Altitudes And • West Coast US (PSCA): 60 to 102 degrees inclination
• East Coast US (CCAFS): 28.5 to 55 degrees inclination
Inclinations
• East Coast US (NASA Wallops Flight Facility): 37 to 60 degrees inclination

Payload Delivery • Payloads are integrated in the Tucson Payload Facility or the Huntington
Beach integration facility (Class 100,000)
And Integration
• Payloads are mated to the launch adapter and encapsulated with dry
nitrogen and fairing for transport to launch site
• Encapsulated payload unit is integrated on Launch Vehicle at launch site

Payload • Standard PSC 8 Inch Light-band Adapter (non pyro)

Requirements • Optional 1U-12U launch adapters based on PSC Light-band (non pyro)
• Launch canisters (PPOD, ISIS containers) can be accommodated for
customers but are not required.
• Standard dispensers supported include: Cal-Poly P-POD, NLAS, ISIS
Quad Pack/EZ-POD, PSC 3U CSD, PSC 6U CSD, PSC 12U CSD, PSC 27U
CSD, Tyvak 6U, Tyvak Rail-POD
• Payloads can be launched dormant or active depending on payload
Upper Stage • Additional upper stages are available for extended mass to orbit or for
Options orbit maintenance.
• Electric Upper Stage (EUS) for highest efficiency to orbit
• Available in 3U, 6U, 12U and full stage configurations
• Thrust levels (commanded) from 1x10-6 to 20x10-3 N
• Micro Upper Stage (MUS)
• Thrust levels of 20N
• Performance curves available
• Available in 3U, 6U, 12U and full stage configurations
• Large Delta Vee capability range

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Vector-R Performance

Two Stage Vehicle - Baseline

The baseline Vector two-stage vehicle offers the baseline
orbit capability of the Vector launch vehicle family. The
two stage vehicle is capable of placing satellites directly
into circular or elliptical orbits starting at 200 km. Orbit
inclinations above 50 degrees are flown from the PSCA
and 28-50 degree inclination orbits are flow out of the
CCAFS. Equatorial launches are a future capability
expected after 2020.

Two Stage Vehicle + Electric Upper Stage (EUS)

Vector offers a third stage using micro cathode ion
propulsion (μ-CAT) upper stage to maximize the total
mass injected into orbit. This is available in 3U, 6U, 12U
and a full stage configuration that mounts to a Planetary
Systems 8 inch Light-band bolt circle. The upper stage
operates as a stand-alone stage or is slaved by the user’s
spacecraft depending on the desired configuration.
Thrust levels vary from 0-1 mN.

Vector-R Electric Upper Stage (EUS)

The Vector-EUS uses micro cathode ion propulsion (μ-
CAT) for an extended 3rd stage capability. The thruster
system has flight heritage from micro satellite
applications and is manufactured by Vector. The upper
stage comes in two configurations: Configuration 1 with
power and ACS and Configuration 2 without power and
ACS. Configuration 1 is intended to support multiple
payload manifests and the EUS provides its own power
and guidance. Configuration 2 uses the spacecraft’s
power and ACS and is intended for single satellite launch
configurations.

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Operations & Mission Profiles

Vector offers a wide range of orbital Inclination capability from various US launch sites. We also have plans
for offshore flights from barges on the West Coast of the US and future operations from Wallops Flight
Facilities. Mission operations and vehicle engineering are centered in Huntington Beach CA. Our primary
launch vehicle factory is located in Tucson Arizona where payload integration operations are performed.
Huntington Beach also performs payload integration. Payloads are integrated onto a head module and
sent to flight facilities for vehicle integration.

Payload encapsulation occurs at the Tucson factory and the head module is sent in a sealed container to
the launch site for processing. In the base of prolonged storage of the payload, storage is in Tucson
inside climate controlled and bonded storage areas. Several weeks prior to the launch, the Head Module
is shipped to the launch site and is integrated onto the vehicle the week of the launch. On the day of the
launch, or the night before weather permitting, the vehicle is moved outside to the launch site, erected,
and fueled. Launch occurs the same day. Vector has vehicle telemetry during the entire launch and offers
payload power and telemetry as an option during launch.

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Launch operations begin with the

integrated launch vehicle
transported to the launch site on
the mobile TEL. the vehicle is
erected and mounted to the launch
stool. The vehicle is fueled and
readied for launch. The total time
for operations is expected to be
less than 4 hours.

Vector launch operations are accomplished within a single day beginning with vehicle rollout and erection
on our mobile Transportable Erector Launcher. The vehicle is fueled with Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and our
proprietary densified Liquid Propylene (LPROP). The baseline flight takes the first stage downrange 100
km until stage separation. The first stage deploys a parachute and aerial recovery and returns to the
launch site for re-use. The second stage places the spacecraft into a multiple burn or direct injection orbit
in the nominal trajectory. Baseline capabilities are based on direct injection into orbit with the two-stage
vehicle.

Third stage capabilities employ a 200-250 km staging orbit. The launcher places the payload and upper
stage in this orbit and the upper stage begins placing the spacecraft in the final orbit. The electrical upper
stage requires as much as several months to place the payload in its final orbits through a constant vector
low magnitude thrust. The Electric Upper Stage can remain attached to the payload for orbital
maintenance if desired.

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

Payload Services

Vector manifests single satellite launches, multiple identical satellites for constellations and mixed satellite
manifests. The example manifest combinations are shown below for illustrative purposes only.

0.635m

0.334m

0.593m

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4

2 x 12U 3 x 12U 8 x 3U Single
4 x 3U Satellite

Sample Payload accommodations for the Vector Wolverine. Individual flight manifests will vary from those pictured above and
this illustration is intended to offer a general concept of payload accommodations. The actual dynamic envelope for the launch
vehicle is shown in the accompanying figure.

In all cases, no secondary payload structures are required and the satellites mount directly to the launch
adapter/separation system without the need for satellite ejectors or pods. This frees you from the
expense and volume constraints imposed by the classic Cubesat deployment systems. It also adds more
mass capability to orbit by eliminating the inert mass of the ejection system. Satellites flying on Vector are
free to employ propulsion systems and other satellite systems such as deployed antennas, satellite “on”
during launch and satellite transmissions traditionally considered hazardous by rideshare arrangements.
As the primary payload, you determine your own cleanliness and integration requirements and are not
forced to build your payload to the most stringent requirements of your rideshare partner which often
drives your costs very high with no benefit to you other than being able to launch !

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

If desired by the satellite operator, traditional Cubesat

dispensers can be accommodated or you can employ Vector’s
mass saving and lower cost Light-band based adapters that
allow you more volume and the possibility for expanded
volume outside of the traditionally limiting dispenser volumes.
The payload fairing can be made RF transparent and single
launched and constellation payloads can be launch in emitting
configurations depending on the specific payload and mission
requirements. Payloads with propellants and radiation
requirements need to be cleared with mission safety and Vector
Payload Support Engineering.

Another unique feature of Vector is the ability to accommodate

dynamic launch scheduling. Our flight manifest at full
operational capability will offer 50 flights a year or more out of Standard fairing payload dynamic envelope
for single satellite launches
each spaceport and three classes of service. Economy Class
service for dedicated or mixed payload manifests is our lowest
cost service and requires a flexible launch schedule and in some
cases flexible destinations for mixed manifests. Business class
service allows you to determine the destination orbit but
remains flexible on the exact scheduling. Our Premium Class
service allows you to call up a launch on short notice and
determine the launch destination for your payload. This offers
you both the flexibility to develop your space system at your
pace and fly when you are ready. The standing army costs of
having your team wait for years for a launch combined with
significant opportunity costs of waiting to get to revenue are
much greater than the higher price for Premium Launch
Services.

Vector’s spectrum of additional launch service includes tailored

payload processing, additional launch stages, engineering and Optional enlarged fairing payload dynamic
regulatory support and spacecraft power and communications envelope for single satellite launches
services during launch integration, and performance of the
vehicle launch. Tailoring of the launch and payload processing to the customer’s mission is available.
Payload customers are normally expected to conduct payload testing or integration activities at the
Tucson facility and not at the Launch Site.

Launch Environments
Vector’s payload environments are comparable to other liquid fueled vehicles with max g loads of 5-7 g’s
Since Vector uses no pyrotechnics on the Wolverine vehicle, shock loads and acoustics are minimal. The

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

primary payload thermal environment during all ground storage, handling, encapsulation, and integration
operations prior to launch at 20 ± 5 degrees Celsius.

Launch Services offered by Vector

Service Elements
Economy • Standard 28.5° / 350 km orbit but inclination & altitude may vary
Launch • Launch schedule first come first served and exact launch date not
guaranteed
• 1.5 M$ per launch
3U, 6U, 12U individually priced (with or without canisters)
• Launch call up notification may happen within 1 month

Premium Class • Orbit specified by customer

• Launch schedule specified by customer guaranteed within 3 months
Launch
• 2.5 M$ per launch
3U, 6U, 12U individually priced (with or without canisters)
• No launch call up notification date specified

Electric Upper • Electric Upper Stage to extend altitude range of satellite placement
• Can remain attached to payload for extended altitude maintenance
Stage
• Configuration 1 (without power/ACS): $0.5M
• Configuration 2 (with power and ACS): $1M

Additional • Standard PSC 8 Inch Light-band Adapter (non pyro)

Services • Optional 1U-12U launch adapters based on PSC Light-band (non pyro)
• Launch canisters accommodation
• Power during launch
• Satellite communications service from launch to injection
• Regulatory support
• Payload integration engineering support
• Special payload environment requirements

Fairing Options • Standard launch prices include standard size fairings

• Large sized fairings are currently under development
• Large size fairing available expected 2018

During launch operations, the fairing is purged with temperature-controlled gaseous nitrogen. At the
customer’s request, electrical power is provided to the payload during launch operations.

Vector Facilities
The Vector Space corporation is headquartered in Tucson Arizona with Vehicle an Propulsion Engineering
located in Huntington Beach. The Tucson site houses our manufacturing and payload integration facilities.
Huntington beach is in charge of flight operations and vehicle engineering as well as vehicle

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Vector-R Launch Service Guide – Version 1.6

development. Our launch facilities are leased and located at LC-46 on the CCAFS and at the PCSA on

Kodiak Island Alaska.

Customer Contact
Vector Space is proud to bring unequaled customer service to the space launch industry. If you are flying
with rideshare arrangements, you will be pleasantly surprised by the technical freedom and individual
service of a dedicated Vector launch. Whether it’s the technical freedom you gain, our devotion to detail,
your interactions with our staff, our all-in-one service, or our responsiveness, the Vector micro launch
experience is about to revolutionize the way micro space accesses space. If you are ready to launch your
payloads or are considering using Vector, please email us at info@vector-launch.com.

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