Recycled military jets serve as satellite launchers

Space is quickly becoming a less remote place as dozens of universities and organizations prepare to launch small satellites in the coming years. For now, however, these mini-satellites must piggyback their way as secondary payloads, meaning operators have little control over the timing of a launch or on reaching a desired orbital altitude for their mission goals. A number of companies aim to eliminate these when and where-to whims not to mention cutting down on costs — by offering dedicated small satellite launching services. More

(Source: MSNBC - Oct 29)