The case for high latitude access to space for emerging technologies

Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), Alaska´s commercial spaceport, is offered as the Nation´s high latitude launch range for satellite deployment. KLC´s location enables deployment into high inclination orbits, including highly elliptical orbits (HEO), such as Molniya and Tundra. Earth coverage can be achieved with extended dwell times for a single satellite over selected world areas, including high latitudes and the Poles. Full 24 hour regional coverage can be achieved with a two or three satellite constellation. Communications, science and strategic space objectives can be efficiently achieved with Tundra and Molniya orbits. Small Sats from KLC can supplement coverage gaps resulting from coverage limits of Geostationary satellites over the equator. A key benefit is coverage over the Poles. With advances in micro-electronics, small communications satellites and surveillance sensor platforms can be deployed on small spacelift class rockets launched from KLC. KLC is a logical range to be used by Space Grant Colleges and affiliates to enable payload flights, which fulfills this Nation´s strategic need to maintain its technological lead in space and prepare future space scientists and engineers for the space industry. KLC is also ideally situated to support the launch and sustainment of surveillance satellites using HEO and Polar orbits. KLC, as the Nation´s full-service high latitude spaceport, can provide the gateway to space for emerging and mature small satellite technology and applications.