Gilmour Space Technologies, an Australian rocket company, is teaming up with Exolaunch, a German rideshare provider, to enable better a small satellite launch experience customers. The two companies announced the collaboration Aug. 24 they will provide tailored launch, precise deployment, and in-space transportation
Exolaunch set to introduce a Space Tug programme
The Berlin-based Exolaunch – which specialises in launch and rideshare services and small satellite deployment – has introduced what it describes as an eco-friendly space tug programme.
According to the company, this features a new orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) – dubbed Reliant – that will launch satellites to custom orbits in an “environmentally responsible way”. It addresses issues around satellite performance, payloads, capacity and execution of orbital maneuvers.
Its space tug testing and flight qualification will begin in 2022 on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rideshare missions, it says.
“Exolaunch’s tug is powered by an innovative green propulsion system, which also provides a high thrust-to-weight ratio and meets the highest standards for environmental safety. Its design also leverages additive technologies using lightweight carbon fiber composites and 3D printing, resulting in low mass and high cost-efficiency. The R
Record 143 small satellites launch in rideshare January 25, 2021 // By Nick Flaherty
The first SmallSat rideshare service from SpaceX launched a record 143 satellites on Sunday with satellites from Germany, Finland, Italy, Denmark and Switzerland.
SpaceX has launched over 50 European small satellites in a record breaking launch on Sunday.
ExoLaunch in Germany coordinated the 30 satellites in a range of launchers, including one that was used for the first time aboard the Transporter 1 payload. D-Orbit in Italy co-ordinated a further 22.
The PIXL-1 mission from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) used a 400g laser relay cubesat called CubeLCT developed by DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation in close cooperation with Tesat-Spacecom (TESAT) in Backnang. The satellite. launched by ExoLaunch, was built and integrated by Danish company GomSpace. CubeLCT is a laser relay terminal that measures 9.5 x 9.5 x 3.25 cm and provides a data rate up to 10
3 months ago
Company Begins Launch Campaign for its U.S. and European Customers Flying Aboard Falcon 9
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Exolaunch, the leading rideshare launch and deployment services provider for the NewSpace industry, begins its launch campaign to integrate 30 small satellites from the U.S. and Europe aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rideshare mission scheduled for no earlier than January 2021. This is the first dedicated rideshare mission of SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare Program and the first of several rideshares Exolaunch is manifesting on Falcon 9 as part of a multi-launch agreement the company signed with SpaceX earlier this year.
For each Falcon 9 launch, Exolaunch will provide comprehensive rideshare mission management, deployment, and satellite integration services for its customers. This launch will be one of the largest and most diverse rideshare missions of the company, which also announced it will open a U.S. office t