1
$\begingroup$

I have two questions:

  1. What is the hype about launching rockets from high latitude launch sites? For references: Andoya Space (Norway) and ESRANGE (Sweden) received grants of > 20 M EUR. Wouldn’t a launch site closer to the equator and ocean give a launch company much more flexibility in terms of launch directions/orbits, weather, etc.?
  2. What is the revenue model behind a launch side to justify such high incentives?
Improve this question
$\endgroup$
12
  • $\begingroup$ Related: space.stackexchange.com/q/29487/38535 & space.stackexchange.com/questions/11986/… $\endgroup$
    – PM 2Ring
    Oct 11, 2021 at 18:39
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Same question space.stackexchange.com/questions/457/… $\endgroup$
    – A. Rumlin
    Oct 11, 2021 at 19:00
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @ben Perhaps "the hype" is instead due to geography (polar launches over an expanse of water) and logistics easy payload and/or rocket transport options via land (rail, road) and by sea? I have a hunch that these may be strong factors. In the same way that Rocket Lab is finding its place in the launch business by carving out a section of the market rather than trying to do everything for everybody, a launch site can also have potential for economic success by doing so as well? Are there perhaps payload builders in Europe that would prefer a European launch site for high inc. orbits? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Oct 11, 2021 at 22:22
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @uhoh I fully agree with what you are saying; I just don't see the commercial viability in having so many European Launch sites in the north, especially when they are only restricted to higher latitude orbits. IMHO I think things will eventually converge towards an already well established site such as Kourou French Guiana (analogy: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Site, Kennedy Launch Site, etc.) which allows to launch in all orbits. My question was mostly about commercial viability of those high launch sites, but nobody seems to know much about those business models. $\endgroup$
    – ben
    Oct 15, 2021 at 12:04
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I see, that makes a lot of sense! Since there are no answers posted yet, you are free to adjust your question; I think your comment here is more clear, concise and focused than your original question post about the "hype". Maybe you can consider revising/refining your question post to match your comment? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Oct 15, 2021 at 14:19

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.