The Orbital Express Project of Bristol Aerospace and MicroSat Launch Systems, Inc.

The Orbital Express Project of Bristol Aerospace and MicroSat Launch Systems, Inc. is an important case study for universities, business schools, and companies wishing to study the actual development process of a new product—in this case a small satellite launch vehicle—and the tribulations associated with initiating such a project. Using actual company documentation, this study traces the cooperative attempt by the joint venture of International MicroSat and Bristol Aerospace to build a small launch vehicle. It is the only case study in existence concerning the Orbital Express project and covers both the technology and business aspects of the project.