Introduction

Satellites are carried into space by launch vehicles. The payload is installed
at the top of the launcher under the payload fairing, which shelters the satellites
before and during the start and on the flight through the atmosphere from
thermal, aerodynamic and acoustic effects and provides the launcher with an
aerodynamically optimised shape. The payload fairing is jettisoned as soon
as the launcher has left the atmosphere at a height of about 110 km.

The first payload fairing designed by Oerlikon Space formerly Contraves

Space was for the European Ariane 1 launcher, which made its successful debut
on December 24, 1979. While the first fairing generations were based on clas
sical aircraft technology, Oerlikon Space introduced in 1986 the worlds first fairing
in composite technology, featuring low mass and higher performance. More
than 185 payload fairings have been commissioned since onboard European and
US-American launch vehicles. To date, all Oerlikon Space payload fairings built
in a variety of sizes and configurations have an unrivalled 100% mission success.
Your Partner
This qualifies Oerlikon Space as one of the worlds leading suppliers of payload
fairings for launchers. for Reliable
Currently, fairings are produced for the European Ariane 5 and for the Lockheed Payload Fairings
Martin Atlas V-500 launch vehicles as for the small European launcher VEGA.

Characteristics of our Payload Fairings Company Activities

Challenges Solutions Oerlikon Space is one of the leading European Within the frame of the new Oerlikon Corporate
Severe environmental conditions induced during flight Lowest shock levels suppliers of systems and subsystems for space One Company strategy the former Contraves Space
Total protection of payload Guaranteed in-flight functional separation performance applications. Faithfulness and customer orientation has been renamed in Oerlikon Space in December
100% reliability Customization to mission-specific needs are the keys to the companys lasting success 2006 and is fully owned by the OC Oerlikon Group.
Technologies Customer Values in the European and the American space market.
Low-shock pyrotechnical separation Low environmental conditions imparted to the payload Oerlikon Space has at its disposal a broad range Oerlikon Space is well known in the international
Comprehensive simulation of separation dynamics Increase of payload mass of engineering capabilities for mechanical, optical, space business and your reliable partner for:
Advanced materials and processes All 185 missions 100% successful electronics and software design, development,
production and testing of complex systems for Payload Fairings for Launch Vehicles
space applications. Spacecraft Structures
High-Precision Mechanisms
Oerlikon Space incorporates the complete infrastruc- Scientific Instruments
ture needed for the space business and employs Electro-Optical Systems
approx 300 staff.

For details please contact

Oerlikon Space AG
Marketing and Sales Department
CH-8052 Zurich/Switzerland
Phone +41 44 306 22 02
Fax +41 44 306 22 10
ARIANE 1 ARIANE 4 TITAN III commercial ARIANE 5 ATLAS V VEGA sales.space @ oerlikon.com
first flight 1979 first flight 1988 first flight 1989 first flight 1997 first flight 2003 first flight 2008 www.oerlikon.com/space
Introduction
Satellites are carried into space by launch vehicles. The payload is installed
at the top of the launcher under the payload fairing, which shelters the satellites
before and during the start and on the flight through the atmosphere from
thermal, aerodynamic and acoustic effects and provides the launcher with an
aerodynamically optimised shape. The payload fairing is jettisoned as soon
as the launcher has left the atmosphere at a height of about 110 km.

The first payload fairing designed by Oerlikon Space formerly Contraves

Space was for the European Ariane 1 launcher, which made its successful debut
on December 24, 1979. While the first fairing generations were based on clas
sical aircraft technology, Oerlikon Space introduced in 1986 the worlds first fairing
in composite technology, featuring low mass and higher performance. More
than 185 payload fairings have been commissioned since onboard European and
US-American launch vehicles. To date, all Oerlikon Space payload fairings built
in a variety of sizes and configurations have an unrivalled 100% mission success.
Your Partner
This qualifies Oerlikon Space as one of the worlds leading suppliers of payload
fairings for launchers. for Reliable
Currently, fairings are produced for the European Ariane 5 and for the Lockheed Payload Fairings
Martin Atlas V-500 launch vehicles as for the small European launcher VEGA.

Characteristics of our Payload Fairings Company Activities

Challenges Solutions Oerlikon Space is one of the leading European Within the frame of the new Oerlikon Corporate
Severe environmental conditions induced during flight Lowest shock levels suppliers of systems and subsystems for space One Company strategy the former Contraves Space
Total protection of payload Guaranteed in-flight functional separation performance applications. Faithfulness and customer orientation has been renamed in Oerlikon Space in December
100% reliability Customization to mission-specific needs are the keys to the companys lasting success 2006 and is fully owned by the OC Oerlikon Group.
Technologies Customer Values in the European and the American space market.
Low-shock pyrotechnical separation Low environmental conditions imparted to the payload Oerlikon Space has at its disposal a broad range Oerlikon Space is well known in the international
Comprehensive simulation of separation dynamics Increase of payload mass of engineering capabilities for mechanical, optical, space business and your reliable partner for:
Advanced materials and processes All 185 missions 100% successful electronics and software design, development,
production and testing of complex systems for Payload Fairings for Launch Vehicles
space applications. Spacecraft Structures
High-Precision Mechanisms
Oerlikon Space incorporates the complete infrastruc- Scientific Instruments
ture needed for the space business and employs Electro-Optical Systems
approx 300 staff.

For details please contact

Oerlikon Space AG
Marketing and Sales Department
CH-8052 Zurich/Switzerland
Phone +41 44 306 22 02
Fax +41 44 306 22 10
ARIANE 1 ARIANE 4 TITAN III commercial ARIANE 5 ATLAS V VEGA sales.space @ oerlikon.com
first flight 1979 first flight 1988 first flight 1989 first flight 1997 first flight 2003 first flight 2008 www.oerlikon.com/space
Design
The payload fairings for the first three generations of the Ariane
launcher family reflected classic aircraft technology. With the
later Ariane 4 launcher, Oerlikon Space developed a worlds
first by utilising composite technology based on aluminium
honeycomb cores with carbon-fibre-reinforced face sheets.
This construction method allowed new attractive specifications
by combining low mass with high stiffness. For the European
Ariane 5 and VEGA launchers as well as for the US -American
Atlas V-500 launch vehicles Oerlikon Space made a further
step forward by introducing the ogive shape for the fairings
thereby reducing significantly the aerodynamic drag and
increasing the launchers payload capacity.
The payload fairings are made up of two halves, which are
connected by means of the vertical separation system.
The horizontal separation system fastens the fairings to the
launcher. Triggered by the onboard computer at the proper
flight altitude, the pyrotechnical elements of the separation
systems are ignited and the fairing halves are jettisoned.
The mechanical and thermal loads during ascent and separation
as well as the clearance requirements between the launchers
body and the payload fairings edges immediately after sepa-
ration are critical to the design of the fairings. Detailed numerical
simulations are performed in order to optimise the design
and to guarantee the required safety margins. Testing on com-
ponent, subsystem and system level is executed in order to
verify strength, stiffness and functional behaviour to the largest
extent possible. This overwhelming experience as well as
the continuing process and product improvements provides
Oerlikon Space the competitive edge in the global payload
fairings market.
Production
Oerlikon Space has on its premises the complete infrastructure
available to design, develop, produce and test payload fairings
for launchers. The fairing halves are made up of a number of
shell elements, which are produced on specially designed
bonding moulds. The different layers of the shell elements, i.e.
the inner face sheet, the composite core, the outer face sheet
including possibly a thermal protection, are laid up onto the
mould. The entire set-up is then processed in an autoclave
where the resin of the face sheets is cured and a secure bond-
ing of the face sheets to the core is achieved.
The shell elements are then equipped with the necessary
inserts and interface equipment. A systematic quality-control
programme ranging from in-process sample tests to routine
non-destructive bonding tests of the shell elements assures
the consistent product quality. Upon completion of this phase,
the shell elements are ready to be assembled into fairing
halves.
Integration Testing Launch Support Other Launcher Structures
The all-new Extensive testing programmes on system level complete the Based on its wide knowledge of the launcher business, Oerlikon
3 m-class VEGA design and development phase of a new generation of pay- Space is also contracted to design, develop and manufacture
payload fairing load fairings. The test data are checked against the numerical other types of launcher structures. These are built to a different
is integrated at simulation results. The verification programme ranges from set of requirements, as they require higher stiffness and
Oerlikon Space. rain tests through static load strength and low mass. To satisfy this, a sandwich structure
A very streamlined tests to complete separation made with facesheet from high-strength/high-modulus
integration pro tests under vacuum. To this carbon fibre tapes and aluminium honeycomb cores is applied.
cess is applied, end, the payload fairing test
where horizontally article is assembled in the
two individual, but worlds largest vacuum cham-
perfectly matching fairing halves are assembled. Machining ber of NASA in Ohio (USA) and
operations are automated to a large extent to yield an ergo- subjected to a separation test.
nomic and cost-efficient process. The separation sequence is
recorded meticulously by means
The larger shell elements for the 5.4 m fairings are transported of a set of high-speed cameras
to RUAG Aerospace at Emmen (Switzerland) where they are and the resulting data is again
integrated to combined fairing halves on behalf of and under checked against the forecast of
supervision by Oerlikon Space AG. The fairing halves are then the numerical simulation. Oerlikon Space not only designs and manufactures payload
painted with a special coating to prevent electrostatic charging fairings but provides the customer also with the required sup-
and provide the necessary protection against solar heating port on the launch site. Together with the satellite providers
until launch. On most of the fairings, a specifically tuned specialists, representatives of Oerlikon Space install the space-
acoustic protection is installed internally to protect the space- craft together with the fairing halves to form the upper com-
craft from the harsh external acoustic field during lift-off and posite of the launcher. The upper composite is then mounted
in the transonic phase. An electrical system, able to provide a on top of the launcher. Finally the pyrotechnical elements
wide variety of sensors for on-ground and in-flight monitoring are added onto the fairings separation systems and the last
of the spacecraft environment as well as the fairing behaviour, system checks are executed, which clears the upper com- The support structure interfacing between the Ariane 5 launcher
is also mounted. Finally, shortly before acceptance and posite for launch. Based on decades of experience on launch and ESA s Automatic Transfer Vehicle ATV is provided in the
delivery, a set of mission-specific installations defined by the support, Oerlikon Space is an inventive quality partner when same technology by Oerlikon Space. High strength to support
launchers customer are in- it comes to development, verification and qualification of a lean the 20 t ATV and low mass are the key criteria that help our
stalled. They can be selected fairing and upper composite integration process. Our cus- customer to assure the missions performance. In addition for
from a long list that includes tomers and the launchers customer profit from efficient logistics Ariane 5, Oerlikon Space provides cylindrical interstage struc-
access doors ranging from and reliable and fast final integration processes. This minim- tures ACY 5400 in four different length versions, which allow
400 mm in diameter to as ises ground time of the spacecraft and the launcher. The neces to individually adapt the Ariane 5s upper or lower payload
large as 2 x 2 m in size. Other sary ground support, handling and transport equipment is volume based on spacecraft needs. An ACY 5400 can be
options include different designed, manufactured and tested by Oerlikon Space. delivered within a short time frame in order that our customer
means to support commu- can react directly to the markets needs.
nication to the payload, like The data collected during the payload fairings ground, flight
radio-transparent windows, and separation phases is routinely measured. The detailed
internal or external re-radia- Fairing separation test under vacuum performed data are down-linked in real-time to the ground control station
at NASA test facilities in Ohio /USA
tion antennas, as well as the
necessary interfaces to the
Fairing static load test performed
and later analysed by Oerlikon Space specialists. These data,
especially the data from the dynamic separation trajectory, are
Conclusion
at Oerlikon Space test facilities in Zurich
launch table mast. Addi- fed into the numerical simu-
Since their introduction in 1979, the payload fairings from
tional means for on-ground lation models to enhance
Oerlikon Space have become a world benchmark in the
payload cooling are also the database contributing
market thanks to their unrivalled 100% reliability. Many different
available. thereby to the high quality of
types of launchers have been equipped with Oerlikon Space
future payload fairings.
payload fairings. Permanent product and production process
Finally the payload fairing
improvement efforts as well as co-operative partnership
is prepared for the accept-
agreements with international customers constitute the basis
ance by the customer and packed in containers or loaded in a
for this outstanding success.
freighter aircraft to be transported to the launch site.
Design
The payload fairings for the first three generations of the Ariane
launcher family reflected classic aircraft technology. With the
later Ariane 4 launcher, Oerlikon Space developed a worlds
first by utilising composite technology based on aluminium
honeycomb cores with carbon-fibre-reinforced face sheets.
This construction method allowed new attractive specifications
by combining low mass with high stiffness. For the European
Ariane 5 and VEGA launchers as well as for the US -American
Atlas V-500 launch vehicles Oerlikon Space made a further
step forward by introducing the ogive shape for the fairings
thereby reducing significantly the aerodynamic drag and
increasing the launchers payload capacity.
The payload fairings are made up of two halves, which are
connected by means of the vertical separation system.
The horizontal separation system fastens the fairings to the
launcher. Triggered by the onboard computer at the proper
flight altitude, the pyrotechnical elements of the separation
systems are ignited and the fairing halves are jettisoned.
The mechanical and thermal loads during ascent and separation
as well as the clearance requirements between the launchers
body and the payload fairings edges immediately after sepa-
ration are critical to the design of the fairings. Detailed numerical
simulations are performed in order to optimise the design
and to guarantee the required safety margins. Testing on com-
ponent, subsystem and system level is executed in order to
verify strength, stiffness and functional behaviour to the largest
extent possible. This overwhelming experience as well as
the continuing process and product improvements provides
Oerlikon Space the competitive edge in the global payload
fairings market.
Production
Oerlikon Space has on its premises the complete infrastructure
available to design, develop, produce and test payload fairings
for launchers. The fairing halves are made up of a number of
shell elements, which are produced on specially designed
bonding moulds. The different layers of the shell elements, i.e.
the inner face sheet, the composite core, the outer face sheet
including possibly a thermal protection, are laid up onto the
mould. The entire set-up is then processed in an autoclave
where the resin of the face sheets is cured and a secure bond-
ing of the face sheets to the core is achieved.
The shell elements are then equipped with the necessary
inserts and interface equipment. A systematic quality-control
programme ranging from in-process sample tests to routine
non-destructive bonding tests of the shell elements assures
the consistent product quality. Upon completion of this phase,
the shell elements are ready to be assembled into fairing
halves.
Integration Testing Launch Support Other Launcher Structures
The all-new Extensive testing programmes on system level complete the Based on its wide knowledge of the launcher business, Oerlikon
3 m-class VEGA design and development phase of a new generation of pay- Space is also contracted to design, develop and manufacture
payload fairing load fairings. The test data are checked against the numerical other types of launcher structures. These are built to a different
is integrated at simulation results. The verification programme ranges from set of requirements, as they require higher stiffness and
Oerlikon Space. rain tests through static load strength and low mass. To satisfy this, a sandwich structure
A very streamlined tests to complete separation made with facesheet from high-strength/high-modulus
integration pro tests under vacuum. To this carbon fibre tapes and aluminium honeycomb cores is applied.
cess is applied, end, the payload fairing test
where horizontally article is assembled in the
two individual, but worlds largest vacuum cham-
perfectly matching fairing halves are assembled. Machining ber of NASA in Ohio (USA) and
operations are automated to a large extent to yield an ergo- subjected to a separation test.
nomic and cost-efficient process. The separation sequence is
recorded meticulously by means
The larger shell elements for the 5.4 m fairings are transported of a set of high-speed cameras
to RUAG Aerospace at Emmen (Switzerland) where they are and the resulting data is again
integrated to combined fairing halves on behalf of and under checked against the forecast of
supervision by Oerlikon Space AG. The fairing halves are then the numerical simulation. Oerlikon Space not only designs and manufactures payload
painted with a special coating to prevent electrostatic charging fairings but provides the customer also with the required sup-
and provide the necessary protection against solar heating port on the launch site. Together with the satellite providers
until launch. On most of the fairings, a specifically tuned specialists, representatives of Oerlikon Space install the space-
acoustic protection is installed internally to protect the space- craft together with the fairing halves to form the upper com-
craft from the harsh external acoustic field during lift-off and posite of the launcher. The upper composite is then mounted
in the transonic phase. An electrical system, able to provide a on top of the launcher. Finally the pyrotechnical elements
wide variety of sensors for on-ground and in-flight monitoring are added onto the fairings separation systems and the last
of the spacecraft environment as well as the fairing behaviour, system checks are executed, which clears the upper com- The support structure interfacing between the Ariane 5 launcher
is also mounted. Finally, shortly before acceptance and posite for launch. Based on decades of experience on launch and ESA s Automatic Transfer Vehicle ATV is provided in the
delivery, a set of mission-specific installations defined by the support, Oerlikon Space is an inventive quality partner when same technology by Oerlikon Space. High strength to support
launchers customer are in- it comes to development, verification and qualification of a lean the 20 t ATV and low mass are the key criteria that help our
stalled. They can be selected fairing and upper composite integration process. Our cus- customer to assure the missions performance. In addition for
from a long list that includes tomers and the launchers customer profit from efficient logistics Ariane 5, Oerlikon Space provides cylindrical interstage struc-
access doors ranging from and reliable and fast final integration processes. This minim- tures ACY 5400 in four different length versions, which allow
400 mm in diameter to as ises ground time of the spacecraft and the launcher. The neces to individually adapt the Ariane 5s upper or lower payload
large as 2 x 2 m in size. Other sary ground support, handling and transport equipment is volume based on spacecraft needs. An ACY 5400 can be
options include different designed, manufactured and tested by Oerlikon Space. delivered within a short time frame in order that our customer
means to support commu- can react directly to the markets needs.
nication to the payload, like The data collected during the payload fairings ground, flight
radio-transparent windows, and separation phases is routinely measured. The detailed
internal or external re-radia- Fairing separation test under vacuum performed data are down-linked in real-time to the ground control station
at NASA test facilities in Ohio /USA
tion antennas, as well as the
necessary interfaces to the
Fairing static load test performed
and later analysed by Oerlikon Space specialists. These data,
especially the data from the dynamic separation trajectory, are
Conclusion
at Oerlikon Space test facilities in Zurich
launch table mast. Addi- fed into the numerical simu-
Since their introduction in 1979, the payload fairings from
tional means for on-ground lation models to enhance
Oerlikon Space have become a world benchmark in the
payload cooling are also the database contributing
market thanks to their unrivalled 100% reliability. Many different
available. thereby to the high quality of
types of launchers have been equipped with Oerlikon Space
future payload fairings.
payload fairings. Permanent product and production process
Finally the payload fairing
improvement efforts as well as co-operative partnership
is prepared for the accept-
agreements with international customers constitute the basis
ance by the customer and packed in containers or loaded in a
for this outstanding success.
freighter aircraft to be transported to the launch site.
Design
The payload fairings for the first three generations of the Ariane
launcher family reflected classic aircraft technology. With the
later Ariane 4 launcher, Oerlikon Space developed a worlds
first by utilising composite technology based on aluminium
honeycomb cores with carbon-fibre-reinforced face sheets.
This construction method allowed new attractive specifications
by combining low mass with high stiffness. For the European
Ariane 5 and VEGA launchers as well as for the US -American
Atlas V-500 launch vehicles Oerlikon Space made a further
step forward by introducing the ogive shape for the fairings
thereby reducing significantly the aerodynamic drag and
increasing the launchers payload capacity.
The payload fairings are made up of two halves, which are
connected by means of the vertical separation system.
The horizontal separation system fastens the fairings to the
launcher. Triggered by the onboard computer at the proper
flight altitude, the pyrotechnical elements of the separation
systems are ignited and the fairing halves are jettisoned.
The mechanical and thermal loads during ascent and separation
as well as the clearance requirements between the launchers
body and the payload fairings edges immediately after sepa-
ration are critical to the design of the fairings. Detailed numerical
simulations are performed in order to optimise the design
and to guarantee the required safety margins. Testing on com-
ponent, subsystem and system level is executed in order to
verify strength, stiffness and functional behaviour to the largest
extent possible. This overwhelming experience as well as
the continuing process and product improvements provides
Oerlikon Space the competitive edge in the global payload
fairings market.
Production
Oerlikon Space has on its premises the complete infrastructure
available to design, develop, produce and test payload fairings
for launchers. The fairing halves are made up of a number of
shell elements, which are produced on specially designed
bonding moulds. The different layers of the shell elements, i.e.
the inner face sheet, the composite core, the outer face sheet
including possibly a thermal protection, are laid up onto the
mould. The entire set-up is then processed in an autoclave
where the resin of the face sheets is cured and a secure bond-
ing of the face sheets to the core is achieved.
The shell elements are then equipped with the necessary
inserts and interface equipment. A systematic quality-control
programme ranging from in-process sample tests to routine
non-destructive bonding tests of the shell elements assures
the consistent product quality. Upon completion of this phase,
the shell elements are ready to be assembled into fairing
halves.
Integration Testing Launch Support Other Launcher Structures
The all-new Extensive testing programmes on system level complete the Based on its wide knowledge of the launcher business, Oerlikon
3 m-class VEGA design and development phase of a new generation of pay- Space is also contracted to design, develop and manufacture
payload fairing load fairings. The test data are checked against the numerical other types of launcher structures. These are built to a different
is integrated at simulation results. The verification programme ranges from set of requirements, as they require higher stiffness and
Oerlikon Space. rain tests through static load strength and low mass. To satisfy this, a sandwich structure
A very streamlined tests to complete separation made with facesheet from high-strength/high-modulus
integration pro tests under vacuum. To this carbon fibre tapes and aluminium honeycomb cores is applied.
cess is applied, end, the payload fairing test
where horizontally article is assembled in the
two individual, but worlds largest vacuum cham-
perfectly matching fairing halves are assembled. Machining ber of NASA in Ohio (USA) and
operations are automated to a large extent to yield an ergo- subjected to a separation test.
nomic and cost-efficient process. The separation sequence is
recorded meticulously by means
The larger shell elements for the 5.4 m fairings are transported of a set of high-speed cameras
to RUAG Aerospace at Emmen (Switzerland) where they are and the resulting data is again
integrated to combined fairing halves on behalf of and under checked against the forecast of
supervision by Oerlikon Space AG. The fairing halves are then the numerical simulation. Oerlikon Space not only designs and manufactures payload
painted with a special coating to prevent electrostatic charging fairings but provides the customer also with the required sup-
and provide the necessary protection against solar heating port on the launch site. Together with the satellite providers
until launch. On most of the fairings, a specifically tuned specialists, representatives of Oerlikon Space install the space-
acoustic protection is installed internally to protect the space- craft together with the fairing halves to form the upper com-
craft from the harsh external acoustic field during lift-off and posite of the launcher. The upper composite is then mounted
in the transonic phase. An electrical system, able to provide a on top of the launcher. Finally the pyrotechnical elements
wide variety of sensors for on-ground and in-flight monitoring are added onto the fairings separation systems and the last
of the spacecraft environment as well as the fairing behaviour, system checks are executed, which clears the upper com- The support structure interfacing between the Ariane 5 launcher
is also mounted. Finally, shortly before acceptance and posite for launch. Based on decades of experience on launch and ESA s Automatic Transfer Vehicle ATV is provided in the
delivery, a set of mission-specific installations defined by the support, Oerlikon Space is an inventive quality partner when same technology by Oerlikon Space. High strength to support
launchers customer are in- it comes to development, verification and qualification of a lean the 20 t ATV and low mass are the key criteria that help our
stalled. They can be selected fairing and upper composite integration process. Our cus- customer to assure the missions performance. In addition for
from a long list that includes tomers and the launchers customer profit from efficient logistics Ariane 5, Oerlikon Space provides cylindrical interstage struc-
access doors ranging from and reliable and fast final integration processes. This minim- tures ACY 5400 in four different length versions, which allow
400 mm in diameter to as ises ground time of the spacecraft and the launcher. The neces to individually adapt the Ariane 5s upper or lower payload
large as 2 x 2 m in size. Other sary ground support, handling and transport equipment is volume based on spacecraft needs. An ACY 5400 can be
options include different designed, manufactured and tested by Oerlikon Space. delivered within a short time frame in order that our customer
means to support commu- can react directly to the markets needs.
nication to the payload, like The data collected during the payload fairings ground, flight
radio-transparent windows, and separation phases is routinely measured. The detailed
internal or external re-radia- Fairing separation test under vacuum performed data are down-linked in real-time to the ground control station
at NASA test facilities in Ohio /USA
tion antennas, as well as the
necessary interfaces to the
Fairing static load test performed
and later analysed by Oerlikon Space specialists. These data,
especially the data from the dynamic separation trajectory, are
Conclusion
at Oerlikon Space test facilities in Zurich
launch table mast. Addi- fed into the numerical simu-
Since their introduction in 1979, the payload fairings from
tional means for on-ground lation models to enhance
Oerlikon Space have become a world benchmark in the
payload cooling are also the database contributing
market thanks to their unrivalled 100% reliability. Many different
available. thereby to the high quality of
types of launchers have been equipped with Oerlikon Space
future payload fairings.
payload fairings. Permanent product and production process
Finally the payload fairing
improvement efforts as well as co-operative partnership
is prepared for the accept-
agreements with international customers constitute the basis
ance by the customer and packed in containers or loaded in a
for this outstanding success.
freighter aircraft to be transported to the launch site.
Introduction
Satellites are carried into space by launch vehicles. The payload is installed
at the top of the launcher under the payload fairing, which shelters the satellites
before and during the start and on the flight through the atmosphere from
thermal, aerodynamic and acoustic effects and provides the launcher with an
aerodynamically optimised shape. The payload fairing is jettisoned as soon
as the launcher has left the atmosphere at a height of about 110 km.

The first payload fairing designed by Oerlikon Space formerly Contraves

Space was for the European Ariane 1 launcher, which made its successful debut
on December 24, 1979. While the first fairing generations were based on clas
sical aircraft technology, Oerlikon Space introduced in 1986 the worlds first fairing
in composite technology, featuring low mass and higher performance. More
than 185 payload fairings have been commissioned since onboard European and
US-American launch vehicles. To date, all Oerlikon Space payload fairings built
in a variety of sizes and configurations have an unrivalled 100% mission success.
Your Partner
This qualifies Oerlikon Space as one of the worlds leading suppliers of payload
fairings for launchers. for Reliable
Currently, fairings are produced for the European Ariane 5 and for the Lockheed Payload Fairings
Martin Atlas V-500 launch vehicles as for the small European launcher VEGA.

Characteristics of our Payload Fairings Company Activities

Challenges Solutions Oerlikon Space is one of the leading European Within the frame of the new Oerlikon Corporate
Severe environmental conditions induced during flight Lowest shock levels suppliers of systems and subsystems for space One Company strategy the former Contraves Space
Total protection of payload Guaranteed in-flight functional separation performance applications. Faithfulness and customer orientation has been renamed in Oerlikon Space in December
100% reliability Customization to mission-specific needs are the keys to the companys lasting success 2006 and is fully owned by the OC Oerlikon Group.
Technologies Customer Values in the European and the American space market.
Low-shock pyrotechnical separation Low environmental conditions imparted to the payload Oerlikon Space has at its disposal a broad range Oerlikon Space is well known in the international
Comprehensive simulation of separation dynamics Increase of payload mass of engineering capabilities for mechanical, optical, space business and your reliable partner for:
Advanced materials and processes All 185 missions 100% successful electronics and software design, development,
production and testing of complex systems for Payload Fairings for Launch Vehicles
space applications. Spacecraft Structures
High-Precision Mechanisms
Oerlikon Space incorporates the complete infrastruc- Scientific Instruments
ture needed for the space business and employs Electro-Optical Systems
approx 300 staff.

For details please contact

Oerlikon Space AG
Marketing and Sales Department
CH-8052 Zurich/Switzerland
Phone +41 44 306 22 02
Fax +41 44 306 22 10
ARIANE 1 ARIANE 4 TITAN III commercial ARIANE 5 ATLAS V VEGA sales.space @ oerlikon.com
first flight 1979 first flight 1988 first flight 1989 first flight 1997 first flight 2003 first flight 2008 www.oerlikon.com/space