Arianespace signs agreement with three small satellite launch services

European-based launch service provider Arianespace announced Monday that it has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Dark, Orbex, and PLD Space to work on a possible collaboration to answer its customers’ special needs.

Arianespace believes small satellite launch service providers can complement the company’s portfolio to provide innovative technologies and services to new customers.

“The small satellite market is booming,” Arianespace said in a company press release. The company said that the small-class launcher market is made of always more diverse requirements and solutions, some of them in very specific orbits. “Even if the majority of this market can be satisfied by ride-share flights on Ariane 6 and Vega C, micro and mini launchers can complement Arianespace's portfolio.”

The company is getting ready to perform its last Ariane 5 launch this week and replace it with the upgraded Ariane 6 booster.

Dark

Dark is a French company developing a multi-mission platform able to launch up to 300 kilograms in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 500 kilometers. Their solution is based on an air-launched rocket integrated under a plane, thus enabling launches from airports. Dark's maiden flight is targeted for 2028.

A similar air-launched rocket service, Virgin Orbit, recently closed its doors. Starting in 2017, the company was sold for parts after declaring bankruptcy in April.

Virgin Orbit, launched by billionaire Richard Branson, used a Boeing 747 aircraft to air-launch their small satellite launcher. Only four of its six flights were successful.

Orbex

Orbex is a European company based in Scotland, developing a micro launcher called Prime, with a reusable first stage, that will offer dedicated and rideshare launch opportunities to satellites weighing up to 200 kilograms targeting a Low Earth Orbit. This launcher is equipped with 3D-printed rocket engines that use renewable bio-propane fuel to limit carbon emissions. Orbex operates from Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland. Prime's maiden flight is targeted to take place in late 2024.

California-based start-up company Relativity Space was the first to launch a 3D-printed rocket. The company says their Terran 1 rocket, launched on March 22, was 85% 3D-printed. The vehicle reached a few technical milestones during launch but never reached Earth orbit.

PLD Space

PLD Space is a Spanish company, developing the MIURA 5 micro launcher, based on a reusable Lox/kerosene first stage which enables dedicated rideshare and piggyback launches for its customers. This vehicle is ideally positioned for small satellites ranging from CubeSats to payloads weighing up to 540 kilograms, and deploying these in SSO at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers. PLD Space targets launches from Huelva in Spain and from the French Guiana Space Center. MIURA 5 maiden flight is targeted for late 2025.

The MoU between Arianespace and the three small launch providers establishes the terms and conditions of the various avenues of cooperation, all based on a non-exclusivity basis.