Design Guidelines of M-V

The design guidelines for the M-V rocket are listed below:

1. To provide launch capability for space science programs in late 1990s and early 21st century,
2. To take advantage of simplicity and low cost of solid propellant rockets for medium size payloads,
3. To refine and upgrade the technology for solid propellant satellite launcher,
4. To use Kagoshima Space Center (KSC) with its range of safety regulations as the launch site,
5. To make use of existing ground support facilities at KSC,
6. To keep costs at a level which enables annual launches.

The main aims of new technology in the M-V are listed below:

1. HT-230M high-strength steel for the first and second stage motor cases,
2. Interstage structure between 1st and 2nd stages corresponds to FIH (fire in the hole) separation system,
3. CFRP motor cases for the third and kick stages to realize lighter weight,
4. extendable nozzles for the third and kick stages,
5. nose fairing opening mechanism, and FOG (fiber optical gyro) to sense vehicle attitude.