Zero 2 Infinity

The satellite market has been disrupted by the miniaturization of the technology. Lots of small satellites have been created and they aim to provide data for Earth observation, surveillance, telecommunications, smart cities, connectivity, meteorology, emergency responses, ... These satellites are usually in the range of 10-250 kg and need a precise orbit to bet disposed in constellation.

How can we proceed considering that the current launchers available (like Ariane 5 or Falcon 9) are not dimensioned nor optimized to serve this new market?

Zero 2 Infinity is building Bloostar, a low cost, environmentally friendly and service oriented launcher for small satellites. Assisted by a stratospheric balloon, Bloostar slowly elevates to the stratosphere and is then ignited in a quasi-vacuum environment. It needs less infrastructure, simpler engines and generates less stress on the satellite than traditional launcher. It’s highly performing and geared to enable the flourishing New Space market.

Zero 2 Infinity splits the ascent to Space in two phases: the first one aims to go through the densest parts of the atmosphere, the second aims to gain speed in the near-vacuum environment. Following the idea, Bloostar flies to 20 km of altitude thanks to a balloon, Bloostar ignites its engines and can gain velocity and reach orbit with less constraint than a traditional rocket.

Bloostar is NOT just a rocket brought at a higher altitude. It is the first launcher fully designed to take advantage from a stratospheric (=quasi-vacuum) ignition.

The main added values of this solution are the following:   

• Green: Bloostar’s fuel consumption is minimal and creates less pollution than traditional rockets. Its emissions are mainly water and a bit of CO2
• Less expensive: The complexity of developing a rocket is drastically reduced by replacing the first stage of a conventional launcher by a balloon. In engineering and hardware. Furthermore, 3D printed parts, advanced materials, and reusability are at the core of the launcher elements
• Design freedom: Bloostar can accommodate a bulkier volume than other ground launched rockets because there is no significant aerodynamic constraint or heavy vibrations inNear Space. Bloostar is inherently more reliable and offers a smoother ride for satellites than any competitor

Zero 2 Infinity supports Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Its flagship project, Bloostar, is an environmentally friendly launcher designed to reduce the cost of sending satellites into space and to serve the rapidly growing market of small satellites.

Through this approach, Zero 2 Infinity drives technological advancement while making access to space more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive.

Zero 2 Infinity is being involved in the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab program to adopt the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the Cloud. For Design, Simulation and Systems solutions through SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, SIMULIA and others to improve Bloostar’s design, run accurate simulations, generate performance tests, and optimize Z2I electronics solutions. Moreover, the use of Generative Shape Design will support one of Bloostar's main challenges: mass optimization.

Bloostar has a simpler design than any existing launcher. Therefore, its development challenges lie in using this advantage and optimizing its creation from all levels. 

Bloostar design fits within a large eco-system of partners, suppliers and innovators that benefit from bringing their equipment and technology to Space. The Zero 2 Infinity team is working with suppliers across the globe, from the Space and non-Space industries. Adopting a spiral development strategy and paving a new way to approach Space transportation are parts of Z2I’s vision.