Space exploration and research have always been at the forefront of human advancements and discoveries. With each new mission and every new discovery, we come one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of our universe and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. One important tool that has helped facilitate these advancements is sub-orbital testing.
Sub-orbital testing provides a cost-effective and efficient means of gathering data and conducting experiments in space technologies and other space-related conditions and has become an essential tool for organizations looking to validate their technologies and systems for future space missions.
This blog will explore the role of advancing space science and exploration and delve into a few ongoing sub-orbital services programs by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). But first, let's understand what sub-orbital testing is and how it works.
What is Sub-Orbital Testing?
Sub-orbital testing refers to the use of sub-orbital flight technology for testing and research purposes. This type of testing involves exposing payloads, components, and systems to the unique conditions of space, including microgravity and the space environment, for brief periods of time. Currently, the sub-orbital testing service providers offer crewed and uncrewed missions on platforms such as sub-orbital reusable launch vehicles (SRLV), sounding rockets, parabolic flights, and high-altitude balloons.
Furthermore, the market is also experiencing the growth of human-tended sub-orbital research flights, with companies such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin beginning the services in the upcoming years.
According to the BIS Research analysis, the global sub-orbital testing services market is estimated to reach $178.1 million in 2032 from $122.4 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3.82% during the forecast period 2022-2032.
The Role of Sub-Orbital Testing in Advancing Space Science and Exploration
Sub-orbital testing has played an important role in advancing space science and exploration. From testing new technologies and systems for future space missions to conducting microgravity experiments, sub-orbital testing has provided valuable insights and data that have helped to advance our understanding of the space environment and its potential applications.
1. Testing New Technologies and Systems: One of the key ways that sub-orbital testing has advanced space science and exploration is by providing a platform for testing new technologies and systems. This includes testing new propulsion systems, power systems, communication systems, and more, which are critical for the success of future space missions. By testing these technologies and systems in a sub-orbital environment, organizations can identify any issues and make improvements before they are used in full-fledged orbital missions.
2. Microgravity Research: Sub-orbital testing has also been crucial in advancing microgravity research, providing opportunities to conduct experiments and gather data in a microgravity environment. Microgravity research is important for a variety of applications, including materials science, life sciences, and fluid physics, and sub-orbital testing provides a cost-effective and efficient way to gather data in this environment.
3. Development of Reusable Sub-Orbital Vehicles: Sub-orbital testing has also been instrumental in the development of reusable sub-orbital vehicles, such as sounding rockets and sub-orbital spacecraft. These vehicles provide a cost-effective and flexible platform for conducting sub-orbital tests, and their reuse helps to reduce the cost of sub-orbital testing over time.
4. Advancements in Space Environment Understanding: Finally, sub-orbital testing has also been vital in advancing our understanding of the space environment and its potential impacts on various systems and technologies. This includes understanding the effects of radiation, temperature, and other space-related conditions on various materials, systems, and technologies, which is important for the development of future space missions and systems.
Ongoing Sub-Orbital Testing Services Programs
• NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program: The Flight Opportunities program of NASA helps commercial sub-orbital providers with opportunities to showcase viable technologies for space exploration and expansion of space-related activities. The program strategically invests in the development of the U.S. commercial spaceflight industry and helps companies in maturing their technologies for NASA’s missions or commercial applications. The program provides contracts to the commercial sub-orbital platform providers to fly NASA’s funded experiments for research institutions, academia, or commercial companies.
The technologies in sub-orbital launch vehicles experience many space-like conditions such as microgravity, radiations, extreme temperature, high vibrations, re-entry, and landing simulations. So, this program helps researchers to interpret the data acquired from the payload experienced in the sub-orbital region and enables them to make the necessary improvements before sending the technology to more harsh orbital conditions. Furthermore, sub-orbital flights are expensive, especially for research institutions, academia, and start-ups. So, NASA supports them by providing funding and access to a space-like environment.
• NASA Sounding Rocket Program (NSRP): NASA has a sounding rocket program, NSRP, under which the agency launches sounding rockets for scientific and material-based research. The mission of the sounding rocket program is to inspire a future generation in space and help students with experiments to reach sub-orbital regions with the help of NASA’s sounding rocket. The sounding rockets are cost-effective and do not require boosters or an extended telemetry/tracking system.
Hence, it reduces the overall mission cost and helps quickly complete the mission. Furthermore, the cost to develop the payload for a sounding rocket is also less, with minimum complexity. This makes the sounding rocket a suitable platform for research institutions and colleges to send their payload to sub-orbital regions.
Conclusion
Sub-orbital testing has been significant in advancing space science and exploration. With its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ability to provide brief exposure to microgravity and other space-related conditions, sub-orbital testing has become an important tool for organizations looking to test and validate their technologies and systems in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
As the demand for space exploration and research continues to grow, the importance of sub-orbital testing will only continue to increase, helping to drive new discoveries and advancements in space science.
Interested to know more about the growing technologies in your industry vertical? Get the latest market studies and insights from BIS Research. Connect with us at [email protected] to learn and understand more.
