Aurora Mission 1 marked a historic milestone for Einstein100, recently acquired by Orion Technologies, with the successful test flight of its flagship launch vehicle, Aurora. This mission showcased the capabilities of the newly developed rocket, which combines proven technology with innovative design elements, ensuring the next generation of space exploration.
The mission took off from Droo Space Port (DSC) at 10:34 pm UTC, with Aurora launching into a clear sky. The vehicle featured twin 4-segment Space Shuttle SRBs and an 18ft diameter core stage equipped with twin RS-25 engines. These components worked seamlessly, fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants, providing thrust for the initial ascent.
The upper stage, also 18ft in diameter, utilized a unique hanging tank design with carbon-fiber struts supporting the propellant tanks. The COUS(Cryogenic Orbital Upper Stage) featured twin RL-10C-X engines, specifically designed for high-efficiency vacuum operation. The payload fairing, constructed from advanced carbon-composite materials, stood 70ft tall and protected the sensitive payloads throughout the flight.
The mission proceeded nominally from launch to orbit insertion:
The SRBs separated at 100 seconds after launch, as expected. The core stage and upper stage separated approximately 4 minutes into flight, with the mission confirming nominal orbit insertion just before stage separation. The mission successfully deployed two key payloads, with each phase of the mission contributing to the achievement of its primary goals:
Secondary Payload: Vectron Imaging Satellite
The Vectron Imaging Satellite from Vectron Technologies was deployed into a 1000 km x 22,300 km orbit. This satellite will provide critical imaging capabilities for a variety of applications, and its successful deployment marks a significant achievement for both Vectron and the Aurora rocket.
Primary Payload: Astrum Y’s OMPS
Following the first deployment, the second stage relit its engines and performed a second burn to boost Astrum Y's OMPS into a heliocentric orbit, where it will begin its mission as a deep-space imaging platform.
Acknowledgements
Aurora Mission 1 would not have been possible without the valuable collaboration and support from Astrum Y and Vectron Technologies. Their technical expertise and trust in the Aurora vehicle were essential in ensuring the success of both the secondary and primary payload deployments. This successful mission validates the Aurora rocket's capabilities and demonstrates the promising future of this new launch system.
Einstein100(formally) and Orion Technologies look forward to continuing to support the space community with reliable, efficient, and innovative launch solutions.