Everything you ever wanted to know about launch vehicles at TC Sessions: Space 2021

Space may be the final frontier, but there’s nothing “final” about developing new and more cost-efficient ways to get there. Whether you have your sights set on Mars, delivering payloads to the International Space Station (ISS) or blasting satellites into geosynchronous orbit, it all starts with launch systems.

You’ll learn plenty about these critical systems — including the latest developments and opportunities in the evolving launch market — at TC Sessions: Space 2021 on December 14-15. Buy your pass now and save $100.

All payloads, such as satellites, spacecraft, astronauts or supplies destined for the ISS, require rockets with enough propellant to launch and get them safely to their intended destinations. But it’s not that simple: the scale and type of the launch system varies depending on the destination (thank you, Captain Obvious).

To achieve orbit, a launch vehicle must hit a minimum velocity of 17,500 mph. Flying to the moon or to Mars requires a minimum velocity of 25,000 mph. The massive amount — and weight — of propellant required to meet those speeds means the launch vehicle’s structural weight must be kept to the bare minimum. And that’s without getting into reusable launch stages.

Without launch systems there are no payloads — no Earth observation satellites measuring environmental and atmospheric patterns, informing air traffic control and autonomous ground transportation or search and rescue capabilities. No telecommunication or radio navigation systems to provide accurate positioning for satellite constellations.

It’s safe to say that designing more fuel- and weight-efficient launch systems to deliver payloads more cost-effectively is essential to a sustainable space economy and an area of opportunity for early-stage space startups.

Most space folks are well aware of the incredible achievements of both SpaceX (it just successfully launched its fourth crewed mission for NASA) and Rocket Lab (which plans to launch two commercial Earth-observation satellites on a two-stage Electron rocket). But it also pays to keep an eye on the up-and comers — and you’ll meet them at TC Sessions: Space 2021.

Here’s a prime example. Don’t miss “New Kids on the Launch Block,” a panel discussion with Max Hoat (Launcher), Benjamin Lyon (Astra) and Lauren Lyons (Firefly Aerospace). These launch leaders will talk about the opportunities in the changing launch market and how they’re poised to take advantage.

Check out our event agenda, and don’t miss these other compelling topics.

• On-orbit operations and servicing

• The benefits of studying lunar samples

• In-space propulsion systems

TC Sessions: Space 2021 takes place on December 14-15. Buy your pass, join your global space community and get the very latest thinking on space launch systems.

Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Space 2021? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

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