Launch Unit

LaunchU (also known as Launch Unit/Launch-U) is a proposed size/mass class standard for small satellites. The maximum volume of the LaunchU is 45 x with a mass of 60 to 80 kg. In 2017, The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) held discussions with members of the satellite launch community to tackle difficult problems in the spaceflight industry such as "Why can't I get a slot and launch tomorrow?" From those discussions, Aerospace established a working group with representatives from industry, academia, and government to look at the launch interface and how standards might improve launch options. The consortium developed recommendations for a satellite between a 12U CubeSat (approximately 24 x 23 x 36 cm and 25 kg) and the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) class satellite (approximately 61 x and 200 kg).

The LaunchU standard not only defines the volume and mass of the satellite, but the center of gravity, first fundamental frequency, and the launch direction, as those requirements can impact complex analyses on the launch vehicle. All of the requirements for LaunchU (e.g., volume, mass, frequency) include the separation system. Spacecraft that meet the LaunchU standard would be able to integrate with any launch vehicle which was designed for the LaunchU compatible spacecraft.

The standard was proposed by The Aerospace Corporation, at the 32nd Small Satellite Conference, in August 2018.