German launch services provider Exolaunch has signed a first launch agreement with SpaceX to send multiple small satellites into orbit on a Falcon 9 rideshare mission scheduled for December.
Exolaunch has integrated payloads and arranged launches for almost 100 satellites, but this is the company’s first launch services agreement with SpaceX, Exolaunch Commercial Director Jeanne Medvedeva told SpaceNews.
Exolaunch is continuing to sign up small satellite customers for the SpaceX rideshare flight.
On the Falcon 9 flight, Exolaunch plans to demonstrate a new multi-port adapter for cubesats and microsatellites called Exoport. The firm will also employ its CarboNix separation system and Exopod cubesat deployer.
Commenting on the launch, Medvedeva was quoted as saying: “Participation in SpaceX’s smallsat rideshare program will allow Exolaunch to offer reliable and cost-efficient rideshare options out of the United States. We’re accommodating several microsatellites below 100 kilograms and a cluster of cubesats. These are European and U.S. smallsats coming from our existing and new customers.”
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