Aldebaran (rocket)

Aldebaran is a proposed air-launched microsatellite launch vehicle testbed studied by CDTI, CNES and DLR for a future launcher capable of lifting up to 300 kilograms (660 lb) into Low Earth Orbit.

Aldebaran is supposed to help by developing means of filling that gap which is especially important due to progressing miniaturization of satellites and the success of numerous science and defense experiments based on microsats.

[3][4][5]: 7 Microsatellite launcher became an interest because of numerous successful technology experiences based on microsats, for science or defense with gradual increase in instrument performance with constant improvement of quality to price ratio.

Rebirth of interest for constellations (like Orbcomm) and formation flying, with increasing number of operational applications accessible: communications, intelligence gathering, early warning, space surveillance, different type of observation, etc.

Additional advantages include a possibility of fighter in-flight refueling, low infrastructure requirements and an ability of returning to any fighter-capable airfield in case of launch abort.

However launch vehicle mass and volume capacity is limited due to the generally small size of the plane and any constraint such as the train trap deployment, aerobrakes or ground clearance.