VthP Vehicles: Kuran, Kinetica Launch Setup

KURAN SHUTTLE ORBITER (KSO) attached to a KINETICA SIDE-LIFTING LAUNCH VEHICLE, part of the Kinetica Space Launch System (KSLS) 

All six of the UNSI's Kuran Shuttle Orbiters are launched into space by a Kinetica Side-Lifting Launch Vehicle. This launch arrangement is very particular and a distinct deviation from typical launch systems. The placement of the Orbiter shifts the centre of mass away from the centre of thrust, presenting a serious stability problem, but the excellent engineering of the Kinetica booster eliminates this issue: Kinetica is capable of performing hundreds of thrust alterations, gimbal adjustments and Vernor blasts a minute, so it can offset the difference in stability, and the aerodynamic effect of the shuttle actually helps the launch vehicle maintain course. 

This design has many advantages. Notably, it is easier to place the reusable orbiter on the side of the launcher than it is to place it on top. And an object as semi-asymmetric as the KSO would cause serious stability issues if placed on top, so it actually performs better when placed on the side. Also, this side placement allows the KSO to separate diagonally once the launcher has powered down, sidestepping the common chore of launch vehicle momentum separation. 

There is another launcher that can be used to put the KSO in orbit, which uses solid boosters and a large carry-along tank for the Orbiter, but this design is usually reserved for missions which require higher orbits. This design may have to be used occasionally during the preparation of the Far Horizons project. 

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