What is the tyranny of the fairing?
The fairing refers to the nose cone or payload fairing of a rocket that protects the payload during launch. It is shaped like a cone due to aerodynamic considerations.
The size and shape limitations of the fairing place constraints on the size of payloads that can be launched. This is referred to as the “tyranny of the fairing” – payloads have to be designed to fit within these restrictive fairing dimensions.
On-orbit assembly and manufacturing concepts aim to overcome these fairing constraints by launching components separately and assembling them in space. This allows for larger structures not limited by the size of existing fairings.
Overcoming the “tyranny of the fairing” through on-orbit assembly or other means would enable new mission capabilities.
In summary, the “tyranny of the fairing” refers metaphorically to the restrictive effects of launch vehicle payload fairing dimensions on payload size and design. New in-space operations aim to provide more flexibility by assembling structures in orbit.
