ILS graphics of the new Proton Medium and Proton Light variants. Photo: ILS

International Launch Services (ILS) announces the availability of a 5 meter diameter Payload Fairing (PLF) for use with both the Proton Breeze M and Proton Medium launch systems for commercial launch services beginning in first quarter of 2020. The 5 meter PLF addresses the increased volume of today’s larger satellites required to satisfy High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) broadband capacity demands, stacked satellite height requirements, and supports multiple satellites for efficient deployment of large LEO constellations.

”Khrunichev State Research and Production Center has successfully completed their planned 2016 feasibility study which focused on developing the required technologies and design needed to support the 5 meter PLF development. The next phase of the program has begun with the start of detailed design activities for a 5 meter PLF with a selected baseline length of 16.25 meters to envelope the projected commercial satellite market requirements while minimizing Proton vehicle impacts. The 5 meter PLF will undergo a rigorous test program including aerodynamic modeling, static and dynamic structural tests, PLF separation and jettison tests, and acoustic testing,” said Jim Kramer, vice president of engineering and mission assurance at ILS.

The Proton Breeze M vehicle is the heritage, 3-stage heavy-lift vehicle, with more than 410 missions to date since 1965. The two-stage Proton Medium vehicle will serve the medium-class satellite range starting in 2018. Khrunichev manufactures both launch vehicles.