Press Release | February 10th 2025
We're back with another company update, this time we got some interesting stuff to show you and some new plans we have for 2025, so without further ado, lets dive right into it
1. Retirement of Archmage
After careful review and extensive analysis, ASX has officially decided to retire the Archmage launch system. The decision comes after multiple failures attributed to faulty coding, which led to premature stage separation and the failure of the stage separation mechanism. Despite extensive efforts to correct these issues, the inherent flaws in the system made it impractical to continue development of the Archmage rocket. ASX remains committed to ensuring the highest levels of reliability and safety in all our launches, and Archmage’s retirement paves the way for new, more advanced launch vehicles, why is why we are introducing to our new rocket!
2. Introduction of the Epsilon Family
ASX is proud to introduce the Epsilon rocket family, a versatile and highly configurable launch system designed to accommodate a range of payloads and mission requirements.
Epsilon is our Medium-Lift Liquid Fuelled Launch Vehicle, designed to replace Archmage and to be cheaper than Archmage. Since Day One, ASX was committed to making cheap expendable rockets with affordable prices for customers.
Design
The Epsilon rocket is the medium-lift variant of a new generation rocket family that includes many variants that will suit every payload, the structure is based on the working and provend. It inherites the 3.65 m-diameter core stage from and 2.75 m-diameter liquid rocket boosters. Where the earlier Archmage rocket used the 3.25m wide diameter core. Just like Archmage, it used Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Methane propellants, the Epsilon uses LOX and LNG. The engines are made from new material, completely different from the one's Archmage used. The goal was to build a more cost-effective and more capable rocket family to replace Archmage all together, Epsilon is expected to launch on Feb 20th, pending regulatory approval.
If you want to book a flight on Epsilon, you can do it down below
Launch Form
Stages
The basic Epsilon can be optimized by varying the number of boosters or enhanced by the addition of upper stages. These stages allow more mission flexibility, like direct injection to higher orbits or multiple orbit deployment. They can also increase the performance significantly. Thanks to this modularity, performance can be dialed between 6,040 kg (13,315 lb) and 12,500 kg (27,557 lb) for LDO, 3,000 kg (6,613 lb) and 11,200 kg (24,691 lb) for JSO and 2,500 kg (5,511 lb) and 8,500 kg (18,739.292 lb) to Droostationary Transfer Orbit (DTO)
Boosters
The Epsilon can use 0, 2 or 4 boosters using LNG / LOX propellant. They are powered by a single oxidizer-rich staged combustion AE-II engine. Each boosters supplies 581 kN (270,000 lbf) at sea level and 618 kN (300,000 lbf) in vacuum of thrust. Its specific impulse is 282 s at sea level and 300 s in vacuum. Each module has its own single axis thrust vector control, and thus it required a special design in the control systems of the rocket to coordinate all the rocket's nozzles.
To further enhance the Epsilon series, ASX has introduced a hydrogen upper stage for missions to Low-Droo Orbit (LDO), Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), and Polar Orbit. We name this upper hydrogen stage, "Sphere Upper Stage" (SUS), or just simply Sphere, it has also been developed for Medium-Droo Orbit (MDO) and Droostationary Transfer Orbit (DTO) launches.
The Sphere Upper Stage (SUS) is a new hydrogen-based upper stage designed for precise satellite deployment. With a thrust of 32.7 kN, it serves as an essential component for small satellite launches, enhancing ASX’s capabilities in delivering payloads to targeted orbits efficiently, and while there's nothing sus about it, it is expected to launch in May 2025 with a payload yet to be selected.
First Stage
The first stage has 3.65 m (11.97 ft) diameter tanks carrying Methane/LOX Propellant. It is powered by 4 AE-II engines, sharing the same propulsion elements as the boosters, only that for the first stage the engines can gimbal in two axes. It's 39m (127.9 ft)
Second Stage
The Second stage had a 2.75m (9.02ft) diameter tanks and propellant, it is powered by the AE-I Vac engine, the same one that Archmage used but with improvements on it, like extra thrust and better ISP. It offers 328kn of thrust in a vacuum and a specific impulse of 412s.
In addition to that, 2 pads have been made to accomodate for the launches that will be done, Launch Pad A & B.
Project Updates
While Epsilon and Sphere weren't the only things we were working on alot, we've also opened up our own satellite production, so far we've made 2 satellites and are excited to show you the progress.
NOOR Program
ASX continues to advance satellite technology with the NOOR Program, a state-of-the-art reconnaissance satellite system. In addition to its military applications, a commercial version of NOOR is currently in development and will soon be available for customers seeking high-resolution Earth observation capabilities, both of these satellites are under production and should be ready by April, so far, the launch provider Dynamics has been selected to fly the NOOR Satellite, with other providers yet to be selected
ISAT Program
Expanding ASX’s footprint in telecommunications, the ISAT (International Satellite) Program aims to develop a robust global communications network. ISAT satellites will provide high-speed connectivity and data services, reinforcing ASX’s commitment to satellite communications and interconnectivity solutions, the satellites are under production and will be done by May, in addition they will be available for launch providers to launch.
Lunar Lander – Natsukashii
ASX is making significant strides in lunar exploration with the Natsukashii lander. Two missions are planned:
Test Flight: To validate landing technologies and ensure mission success.
Rover Deployment Mission: Delivering a rover to Luna to conduct scientific exploration and surface analysis.
Qased Observation Satellite (QOS)
The Qased Observation Satellite (QOS) is an advanced Earth observation system designed for high-precision imaging and data collection. Built with cutting-edge technology, it offers detailed surveillance capabilities for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and strategic applications. QOS delivers clear, high-resolution images and real-time data, making it a valuable asset for scientific research and national security. Its reliable performance and sophisticated design ensure efficient operation in a wide range of missions, it can be sent to either a Juno Synchronous Orbit or Polar Orbit for better coverage, it weighs about 1.02t (1,020kg), 3 of these will be launched on our Epsilon rocket and will be ready for a launch by Late May, it is designed with a camera that can tilt 50 degrees up or down, and back-up solar panels in case the main one's fail for whatever reason, in the future, we hope to make it to where the camera's can zoom in for better visual on specific area's the satellite is investigating on.
And that's it for today, if you have any questions, send it in the comments below, as always, may the stars be with you, ad astra!
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