This paper presents the conceptual design of the ground operations and the associated means, required to operate and launch the Altair vehicle, a low-cost and high launch rate airborne launch system lead by the European Commission. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a semi-reusable airborne Launch System, of which the Carrier would be the reusable part, airdropping a expandable rockettype launch vehicle.
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