Vector-R

Vector-R plans to use two stages with a {{convert|1.2|m|ft|sp=us|adj=on}} diameter first stage and {{convert|0.635|m|ft|sp=us|adj=on}} diameter second stage, both filled with propylene/LOX propellant. The main body of the rocket will be constructed using a lightweight carbon composite material.{{Cite news|url=https://vectorspacesystems.com/vector-r/|title=Vector-R (Rapide) - Vector Space Systems|work=Vector Space Systems|access-date=2017-03-22|language=en-US}}

The launch vehicle's first stage was to be powered by three LP-1 LOX/propylene engines, delivering 81,000 newtons of force. The second stage was to be powered by one LP-2 LOX/propylene engine, delivering 4,400 newtons of force. The engines used a 3D-printed engine injector, designed with help from NASA's Science, Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD) Flight Opportunities program. This allows the injector to be produced as a single piece of hardware, instead of as individual components.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}}

Vector was aiming the rocket at a launch cadence of 100 vehicles per year.{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/08/tiny-rocket-company-aims-for-100-launches-a-year-and-it-just-might-succeed/|title=Tiny rocket company aims for 100 launches a year—and it just might succeed|work=Ars Technica|access-date=2017-03-22|language=en-us}}

The first two sub-orbital flight tests used the Vector-R Block 0.1 prototype model,{{cite web|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/vector-1.htm|title=Vector|website=Space.skyrocket.de|access-date=27 October 2018}} which was a full size aluminum air-frame of the Vector-R but with only one first stage engine.

The Vector-RE1, a planned variant, was planned to use the same body as the standard Vector-R but include an electric powered third stage.

Vector-R was designed to launch a {{convert|60|kg|round=5|abbr=on}} payload to a {{convert|1000|km|abbr=on}} Sun-synchronous orbit, suitable for CubeSats and other small satellites. The cost per launch was planned to be less than {{US$|3 million}}, a price point that the company hoped would have allowed it to attract one hundred launches per year. Customers could have chosen to encapsulate their spacecraft in payload fairings provided by the company, which could be attached to the rocket shortly before launch, in several different configurations, such as fitting CubeSats dispensers or multiple satellites in a single fairing.

Vector used on-site payload integration for the early launches. However it was expected to be able to integrate payloads at their Arizona and California payload facilities and ship them to their launch sites.

File:Kluft-photo-aerial-Mojave-Spaceport-Sept-2009-Img 0227.jpg

Vector-R launched from the Mojave Air and Space Port and Spaceport Camden for its flight tests. It had completed one test flight from each pad. Flight B0.002 was also the first launch from Spaceport Camden.

Vector planned to use the LC-46 launch site in Florida and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad 0B{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/vector-to-perform-first-orbital-launches-from-virginia/|title=Vector to perform first orbital launches from Virginia|website=SpaceNews.com|date=24 October 2017|access-date=27 October 2018}} for the Vector-R rocket, with the first all-up launches would have occurred from MARS Pad 0B.[https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/vector-space-expand-launch-ranges-infrastructure-pads/ Vector Space aims to expand launch ranges with minimal infrastructure pads] NasaSpaceflight.com Additionally, Vector investigated adding more minimal infrastructure launch pads either located on land in the US, or to launch the rocket from barges on the ocean.

Vector had planned for the maiden orbital launch from Kodiak Spaceport Launch Complex earlier in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/966837111356760064|title=This week, Vector submitted its first launch application to the @FAANews to enable orbital launching from the Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska, later this year.|last=VECTOR|date=22 February 2018| website=@vectorspacesys|language=en|access-date=2018-02-25}}

Two low altitude suborbital test flights were performed in 2017.

{{columns-start}}

{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart

| float = center

| width = 450

| height = 320

| stack = 1

| group 1 = 1:0:0

| group 2 = 1:0:0

| colors = Goldenrod: MediumPurple

| group names = Mojave : Camden

| x legends = 2017 : 2018 : 2019

}}

{{column}}

{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart

| float = center

| width = 450

| height = 320

| stack = 1

| group 1 = 0:0:0:0:0:0:0

| group 2 = 0:0:0:0:0:0:0

| group 3 = 2:0:0:0:0:0:0

| group 4 = 0:0:0:0:0:0:1

| colors = FireBrick : Orange : ForestGreen : LightBlue

| group names = Failure : Partial failure : Success : Scheduled

| units suffix = _launches

| x legends = 2017 : 2018: 2019 : 2020 : 2021: 2022: 2023

}}

{{columns-end}}

Due to the bankruptcy and subsequent re-emergence of Vector, These launches are uncertain.

• Small-lift launch vehicle

{{Reflist}}

{{US launch systems}}

{{Orbital launch systems}}

Category:Microsatellite launch vehicles