Suborbital and even small rocket systems are increasingly becoming available not only to large space agencies or commercial giants, but also to universities, private laboratories, and even hobbyists. The possibility of “own” launch today gives a great impetus to science, education and innovation, as it allows for experiments in realistic conditions of supersonic flight and partial reentry beyond the dense layers of the atmosphere. In this article, we will look at what small rockets exist, how much they cost, what they can be used for, and what permits are required to launch them in different countries.
Rockets with a payload of ~1 kg
Skylark Nano (Skyrora). This is a compact solid-fuel suborbital rocket about 2 meters long, capable of lifting a payload weighing about 1 kg to an altitude of 5-6 km. The flight lasts several minutes, and the engine itself operates for only a few seconds.
These mini-rockets are suitable for rapid overload tests, for introducing students to the principles of rocketry, and for simple meteorological or atmospheric experiments (e.g., measuring temperature, pressure, or humidity).
The cost of launching such a rocket can range from several thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars, making it relatively affordable for universities or research groups with a moderate budget.
Rockets with a payload of 1-2 kg and more
Skylark Micro (Skyrora). This two-stage rocket (~3.3 m long) is capable of lifting 1 kg to an altitude of 20-30 km. It can allow researchers to study conditions in the stratosphere, conduct experiments over a longer flight distance, and train with a multi-stage design.
The illustration shows the schematic location of the Skylark Micro rocket on the launch pad, mounted on a launch rail. As you can see, the launch requires a relatively small control system, which includes:
- Launch pad is the place where the rocket is located before launch.
- Flat pad is an additional platform or a flat area next to the starting one.
- Control block and antenna are elements of the control and communication system that are usually placed at a certain distance from the missile for safety.
- The circles with a radius of R100m and R300m are safety zones around the launch site, which indicate the permissible distance for the presence of personnel and equipment.
This launch is relevant for testing electronic systems, thermal protection tests, aerodynamic loading, and short-term physical experiments in the upper atmosphere.
Usually, the cost is tens of thousands of dollars per launch (the amount may vary depending on the service package, logistics, and insurance).
Rockets with a payload of 40-100 kg
REXUS (European student rocket under the DLR/ESA programs) can lift about 40 kg to an altitude of ~80-90 km.
SpaceLoft XL (UP Aerospace, USA) delivers ~36 kg per 100-120 km, providing several minutes of weightlessness.
At this scale, there is room for full-fledged scientific modules: biological experiments in zero gravity, technological tests (e.g., 3D printing in zero gravity), instrumentation projects (spectrometers, high-resolution cameras, etc.).
The cost of a launch increases to hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, as such rockets approach the “limit of space” (Kármán line*, ~100 km).
*The Kármán Line is a conventional boundary between the Earth’s atmosphere and space, located at an altitude of 100 km above sea level. At this altitude, the air becomes so thin that conventional airplanes can no longer generate sufficient lift from their wings, requiring a rocket engine.
How and for what purpose can such missiles be used?
- Scientific research
- Studying stratospheric conditions (atmospheric pressure, chemical composition, and the impact of cosmic radiation).
- Testing materials for overload and temperature fluctuations during high-speed flight.
- Biological and medical experiments (observing the behavior of microorganisms, etc.).
- Learning goals
- Universities can use mini-rockets for practical training with students to develop knowledge and skills in aerospace engineering.
- Students get hands-on experience with real flights, analyze telemetry data, and work on instrument design.
- Technological tests
- Testing of onboard electronics, communication and navigation systems.
- Tests of low thrust engines and fuel supply systems.
- Testing new designs (e.g., 3D parts) in stratospheric and suborbital conditions.
Interestingly, in many cities, including Kyiv, there are rocket modeling clubs at universities. For example, the Kyiv Aviation Institute (formerly NAU) had a student section until 2022, where young people designed and tested small prototypes of rockets. According to publications on the official website and social media of the KAI, members of this group participated in national rocketry competitions, and also held open lectures and workshops for everyone. Thanks to such initiatives, students have a great opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and materials science in practice, while learning to work in a team and organize real engineering projects. It is also worth noting that the FRMS (Ukraine Spacemodeling Sport Federation) actively supports the development of rocketry. Its official website (https://frms.ua/) contains up-to-date information on events, competitions, and training programs that promote rocketry among young people and professionals.
What permits are needed: a comparison of Ukraine and the United States
The legal requirements for launching even small rockets vary significantly from country to country. It should be noted that the information provided here is indicative; exact procedures should be coordinated with state regulators and aviation authorities.
Ukraine
- According to Ukrainian law, even a small missile that can reach a certain height and deviate from the vertical needs to obtain permission from the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine or the relevant military departments to launch if the flight area may affect the airspace of other agencies.
- Safety requirements must be taken into account: the availability of a remote launch site, the possibility of dangerous debris or accidental crossing of civilian air routes.
- Under certain conditions, approval from the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) is required if the rocket is considered “space technology” on formal grounds (the maximum flight altitude and technical characteristics play a role here).
USA
- In the United States, commercial suborbital launches are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which issues licenses for space activities.
- For small “amateur” rockets (which may include university research rockets), there are separate classifications based on weight and fuel hazard. Some small rockets can be launched without a license, but with mandatory notification to the FAA of the time and place of launch.
- “High-altitude” suborbital launches require a special license or permit, as well as approval from the Air Force Command (to avoid conflicts in airspace).
- Usually, launches take place at specialized test sites (e.g., Black Rock Desert in Nevada or NASA/astrocenters’ training sites).
Care must be taken to ensure that safety requirements are met and that government authorities are notified. In some cases, permits are relatively easy to obtain for small missiles with limited altitude and weight. However, the larger and more complex the missile, the more complex the procedure will be.
Conclusions and prospects
Today, buying or ordering the production (or turnkey launch) of a small rocket is not a fantasy, but a real opportunity for universities, research centers, and even talented enthusiasts. Thanks to the development of the commercial sector, companies have emerged that offer suborbital rockets of various classes: from 1 kg of payload (Skylark Nano/Micro) to tens of kilograms (REXUS, SpaceLoft XL).
What will this bring to science and universities? First, it will provide practical experience for students and engineers, who will have a unique opportunity to launch their experiments into real flight. Secondly, the development of technologies and materials, which are usually very expensive to test in the air or on large test benches. Thirdly, such a launch is a powerful motivational factor for young researchers – the realization that they can get involved in space technology makes science attractive and relevant.
In the future, frequent and relatively cheap suborbital launches may become a standard element of the scientific and educational program. Just as universities once began to build satellites on a massive scale, they will now be able to master small rockets to test high-tech developments. The scientific community will receive more data on the upper atmosphere, space factors affecting devices and organisms, which will only accelerate progress in many areas, from materials science to biomedicine.
So, if you are seriously thinking about building your rocket, first of all, define clear goals, learn about legal restrictions and conditions, and find a reliable partner or developer. Today, this is much easier than it seems: modern small-sized rockets are becoming an affordable tool for those who want to look into the sky and take the first step towards space.
