HELIOS

high-cadence, responsive dedicated cubesat launch vehicle 

Payload

• Standard 12U Cubesat deployer
• Spacecraft can be powered on throughout the mission. Data and power are provided through pins located on the bottom of the deployment mechanism.
• Special nanosatellites can be accommodated with a modified payload adapter

end-to-end solution

Helios offers full integration with our Cassiopeia line of modular Cubesat components and software products. We provide consultation, engineering, and launch services to offer turnkey space access solutions even to companies with no prior experience in the space industry.

responsive launch

Multiple vehicles are kept in stock to minimize turnaround. By building small, we can expect a much higher launch rate than existing vehicles. The standardized deployer allows hop-on, ticket like manifestation, and streamlined vehicle operations allow us to launch multiple times per week if necessary.

reusability + volume production

After launch and separation from the upper stage(s), the first stage is recovered for re-use. The first and second stage components can be produced in large quantities, taking advantage of manufacturing economy of scale. The use of both COTS industrial equipment and innovative production techniques allow us to keep costs low while maximizing system reliability and reproducibility.

Stage 3

High mass fraction, spin stabilized carbon overwrapped solid rocket motor

Stage 2

• Tank and engine design evolved from the Trailblazer sounding rocket
• Proprietary high density nontoxic hypergolic propellant
• Lightweight composite structure

Autonomous FTS

A low cost autonomous flight termination system using redundant GPS/IMU sensors reduces range requirements and operational costs, a necessary element for responsive nanolaunchers.

Avionics

Controller and telemetry system are based on Aphelion’s previous work in guidance and control units, providing proven reliability.

Stage 1

• 45kN hypergolic aerospike engine with differential thrust vector control (57kN for high energy missions)
• High pressure, pump-fed, reusable propulsion system evolved from 6X Trailblazer combustors

built to deliver payloads to space fast.

Be it deploying a critical nanosatellite constellation or launching emergency service satellites, Helios offers dedicated flight opportunities to CubeSat class spacecraft when you have one single priority: mission success. Pick your own orbit, schedule, and requirements.

• Mass produced components and a streamlined production process enable a high launch cadence and low-cost
• Missions are tailored to your specifications for every launch: access to new orbits and the use of special/hazardous payloads allows previously impossible missions to be performed by nanosatellites
• Fly what you need, when you need: no indefinite wait time incurred by ride-share or SmallSat launchers

Helios uses an airline-like operation model and launch manifestation process to streamline costs and provide a reliable, uninterrupted ride to space. Having a dedicated launch means that you can have the benefits of being the primary payload at a fraction of the cost of other launch vehicles. We can also deliver payloads into polar and highly eccentric orbits, or interplanetary trajectories.

The Helios vehicle is derived from technology developed on the Trailblazer rocket, which includes our proprietary high-density propellant combination, heritage composite tanks, and the low cost, highly reliable engine architecture. Our unique approach to vehicle design allow us to employ standard manufacturing processes that have been proven in the automotive and aerospace industries.