• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.28-34
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• 2022

In 2021, Virgin Orbit converted a 747-400 aircraft into an air launch platform, and successfully launched it twice in February and July. Compared to the existing ground launch, interest in the air launch is increasing due to its great utility, such as its independence from the launch location or weather, cost reducing factor, shorter launch preparation time, and its benefit pursuant to altitude and speed. Additionally, as small satellites have similar performance to mid/large satellites in the past due to the miniaturization and precision of electronic equipment, small satellite launches are expected to dominate in the future. In this paper, institutional certification methods such as domestic, overseas, civilian and military airworthiness certification regulations/procedures are reviewed to ensure flight safety of aerial projectiles using large domestic civil aircraft, and applicable civil and military airworthiness certification technology standards are reviewed and analyzed. Additionally, we will review and suggest effective airworthiness certification application plans that reflect the reality, and present airworthiness certification standards (draft) for aerial launch vehicles, by analyzing applicable airworthiness certification technical standards when remodeling aerial launch vehicles.