The K-1 will be capable
of servicing high-energy orbit missions with the addition of an
Active Dispenser. This is an ideal solution for the small medium-earth
orbit (MEO) and geosynchronous (GEO) satellites and interplanetary
science missions that seek inexpensive, reliable space access.
Although business and mission practices for customers launching
to high-energy orbits are well established, RPK's K-1 vehicle
will encourage changes to the status quo. RPK believes the K-1’s
competitive
prices will motivate satellite operators to adopt new launch
strategies and business models. Further, RPK expects the K-1's
launch price to be so attractive that the satellite community will
design and build satellites to take advantage of the K-1's capacity.
For instance, the market for small GEO satellites is likely to grow
as satellite operators seek to leverage the availability of cost-effective
solutions for capacity demand. By using small GEO satellites, satellite
operators can minimize the risk and high capital investment required
to enter the market for satellite services. Satellite operators
can build capacity by incrementally placing multiple small satellites
in the same orbital slot, rather than placing all of their investment
on a single, highly expensive satellite from the beginning.
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K-1 Active Dispenser performance is well suited for small GEO satellites.
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