Some satellite companies still have an appetite for boutique launch services
Summary
Satellite companies still need more rocket launches to send their payloads to space, despite many recent launches by SpaceX. Germany’s Isar Aerospace successfully launched its Spectrum rocket to orbit, and satellite companies like Astroscale have signed contracts to use it for upcoming missions focused on satellite servicing and space debris removal.Key Facts
- Many satellite companies say there are not enough rockets to launch all their satellites, even with SpaceX’s frequent launches.
- SpaceX is reducing its Falcon 9 rockets’ launch rate and it is unclear when Starship will carry non-Starlink payloads.
- Isar Aerospace, a German company, reached orbit successfully with its Spectrum rocket after a failed first test flight last year.
- European space organizations and governments support Isar Aerospace as a new launch option.
- Astroscale, a Japanese satellite company, signed launch contracts with Isar before it reached orbit, planning two important missions.
- Astroscale’s missions involve capturing and removing dead satellites or rocket parts from orbit, helping reduce space junk.
- Another satellite servicing firm, Katalyst Space, used a rare Pegasus XL rocket for a specialized mission targeting a NASA satellite.
- Isar Aerospace’s success offers more choices for satellite operators needing small to medium rocket launches.
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