// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Fairing
A protective nose cone or cover on a rocket that shields the satellite or payload from aerodynamic forces and heat during launch through the atmosphere.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An aerodynamic, often conical or ogival, protective structure enclosing the payload of a launch vehicle, designed to reduce drag and protect sensitive cargo from atmospheric heating, pressure, and acoustic loads during ascent.
BACKGROUND
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute, established in 1989, is the aeronautics and space agency of South Korea. Its main laboratories are located in Daejeon, in the Daedeok Science Town. KARI's vision is to continue building upon indigenous launch capabilities, strengthen national safety and public service, industrialize satellite information and applications technology, explore the Moon, and develop environmentally-friendly and highly-efficient cutting-edge aircraft and core aerospace technology. Current projects include the KSLV-2 launcher. Past projects include the 1999 Arirang-1 satellite. The agency was founded in 1989. Prior to South Korea's entry into the Institute for Advanced Engineering (IAE) in 1992, it focused primarily on aerospace technology. As of May 2024, KARI is an affiliated research institute of the Korea AeroSpace Administration.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Payload Fairing
- Nose Cone
- Shroud
- Payload Shroud
USAGE NOTE
Fairings are typically jettisoned once the rocket reaches a high enough altitude where atmospheric drag is minimal.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Fairing.
Develops, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets utilize fairings to protect payloads, and the company has pioneered technologies for fairing recovery and reuse.
A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, ULA provides launch services for the U.S. government. They design and use fairings for their Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur launch vehicles to encapsulate and protect payloads during ascent.
As the prime contractor for the Ariane family of launchers (operated by Arianespace), ArianeGroup designs, develops, and manufactures the fairings for Ariane 5 and the future Ariane 6 rockets, optimizing them for various payload sizes and environments.
Develops and operates the Electron small satellite launch vehicle, which features a composite fairing. Rocket Lab is also pursuing fairing recovery techniques to enhance reusability for their Electron and Neutron rockets.
Developing the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle, which will feature one of the largest fairings in the industry, designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads and facilitate future missions.
A major aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman provides launch vehicles (e.g., Antares) and advanced composite structures, including fairings, for various space applications.
As Japan's primary launch service provider, MHI develops and operates the H-IIA, H-IIB, and upcoming H3 launch vehicles, all of which incorporate advanced fairing designs to protect payloads.
India's national space agency, ISRO develops its own series of launch vehicles, including PSLV and GSLV, which utilize indigenously designed and manufactured fairings to encapsulate and shield satellites during launch.