Tag: Vector Space Systems

Vector Space Systems Announces $60M Agreement with York Space Systems

News 2
Credit: Vector Space Systems
Credit: Vector Space Systems

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 17, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today finalized an agreement with York Space Systems, an aerospace company specializing in small and medium class spacecraft, to conduct six satellite launches from 2019 through 2022 with the option for 14 additional launches. The first launch through the agreement will also be the inaugural launch of the Vector-H vehicle, which is capable of launching 100 kg into orbit, and will provide an integrated spacecraft to customers through a standardized platform.

York Space Systems will use the launches with Vector Space Systems to place their standardized S-Class satellite platform into orbit for commercial and government customers. York Space Systems’ satellites will also employ the unique Electric Upper Stage which uses Vector Space Systems’ propriety electric propulsion technology as the final insertion stage of the Vector-H to place the satellites into orbital altitudes up to 1000 km with zero loss of launch throw mass capability.

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Vector Space Systems to Set Up Shop in Tucson

News 8
P20 sub-scale test vehicle launch (Credit: Vector Space Systems)
P20 sub-scale test vehicle launch (Credit: Vector Space Systems)

Vector Space Systems has found a home in Tucson, Ariz.

Vector Space Systems plans to open a Tucson headquarters and manufacturing plant to make rockets for launching small satellites into space.

The Tucson-based company is expected to create 200 jobs locally within three years of beginning operations, at an average annual salary of $70,000. It could employ as many as 500 people within five years as production ramps up, said its co-founder and CEO, Jim Cantrell.

Vector plans to invest roughly $19 million during the first three years, and possibly as much as $50 million over the next 15 years, according to Pima County officials. The total direct economic impact of the facility could be $290 million over five years, says an analysis by Phoenix-based Applied Economics completed for Sun Corridor Inc., the local economic-development agency.

The company plans to build 36,000 square feet of office space and another 40,000 square feet for manufacturing south of Tucson International Airport.

Read the full story.

Vector Space Launches New Software Platform and Satellite Design Division

News 2
P20 rocket (Credit: Vector Space Systems)
P20 rocket (Credit: Vector Space Systems)

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 17, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a space systems company focused on micro launches and micro space platforms and comprised of new-space and enterprise software industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and VMware, today announced the launch of its Software Defined Satellites business unit named Galactic Sky.

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Smallsat 2016: Updates on Launch Vehicle Development

News 10
CubeSats (Credit: ESA/Medialab)
CubeSats (Credit: ESA/Medialab)

The Small Satellite 2016 Conference got underway today in Logan, Utah. Although I was not able to make it, I’ve been able to follow the conference via Twitter. A number of small satellite launch companies provided updates on launch vehicles they are developing. There is information below on Firefly Space Systems, Nammo, Rocket Crafters, Rocket Lab, Super Strypi, Vector Space Systems and Virgin Galactic.

Information came from the following Tweeters who are attending the conference:

  • Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust
  • C. G. Niederstrasser ‏@RocketScient1st
  • David Hurst ‏@OrbitalDave.

Enjoy!
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Vector Space Systems Successfully Completes First Sub-Orbital Launch

News 2
P20 sub-scale test vehicle launch (Credit: Vector Space Systems)
P-20 sub-scale test vehicle launch (Credit: Vector Space Systems)

MOJAVE, Calif., Aug. 2, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced the successful launch of its P-20 rocket, a sub-scale test vehicle for the Vector 1, in advance of orbital launches in 2018.

The test, conducted July 30 in Mojave, CA, also carried Vector’s first customer payload through a partnership with Finnish-based Iceye. Iceye launched a prototype of its micro satellite’s core computing and communications systems to test its electrical and mechanical resilience in a launch environment.

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Vector Space Systems Announces Agreement with Iceye for 21 Launches

News 2
Credit: Vector Space Systems
Credit: Vector Space Systems

Partnership will launch Iceye’s radar satellite constellation on the Vector Micro Satellite Launch Vehicle beginning in 2018

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 2, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today finalized an agreement with Finnish-based Iceye to conduct 21 launches for Iceye’s commercial SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. The payload flights, Vector’s first customer flights since it started operations in early 2016, will be conducted over a four-year span as part of a larger partnership with Iceye.

The first test launch as part of this agreement was successfully completed July 30 in Mojave, which included hosting a prototype of Iceye’s microsatellite’s core computing and communications systems to test its electrical and mechanical resilience in a launch environment on Vector’s P-20 sub-orbital launch vehicle. Iceye and Vector continue to explore future elements of their partnership related to space flight hardware development and data resale agreements.

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Vector Space Systems Acquires Garvey Spacecraft Corporation

News 5
Credit: Vector Space Systems
Credit: Vector Space Systems

TUSCON, Ariz., July 20, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced it has finalized the acquisition of Garvey Spacecraft Corporation. As part of the acquisition, Garvey Spacecraft Corporation Founder and CEO John Garvey joins Vector Space Systems as Chief Technology Officer.

Founded in May 2016, Vector Space Systems was formed to connect space startups with affordable launch-enabling platforms and vehicles for accessing space at a cost and schedule never before possible. The acquisition allows Vector Space Systems to accelerate its mission of fostering innovation to spark growth in the space commerce industry through reliable and frequent launch opportunities.

“Through the extensive knowledge, designs, hardware, flight experience and flight prototypes acquired from Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, Vector Space Systems has seen accelerated success within just three months of its founding, positioning us as the leading launch vehicle for the microsatellite industry,” said Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder of Vector Space Systems. “Vector Space Systems and Garvey Spacecraft Corporation share a common vision of space commerce growth, and by joining forces, we now have a team of experienced space veterans, cutting edge proven designs and prototype vehicles which have accelerated our time to first orbital launch to only 2 years from today, down from the typical 5-7 years from a clean sheet vehicle design.”

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Vector Space Systems Tests Second Stage Engine

News 4
Credit: Vector Space Systems
Credit: Vector Space Systems

TUCSON, Ariz., May 19, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a Micro Satellite space platform enterprise comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced the successful test of its second stage engine, a major milestone in advance of the company’s first sub-orbital test flight as Vector Space Systems this summer.

The test, which took place in Mojave, California on May 14, featured the company’s second stage high-performance engine for its launch vehicle. Employing 3D printed components, the engine produces 500 pounds of thrust with a high specific impulse for maximum fuel efficiency. This development test was one in a series of second-stage engine tests leading to flight qualification in 2017.

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SpaceX Founding Team Launches Vector Space Systems to Redefine Space Commerce

News 10
Credit: Vector Space Systems
Credit: Vector Space Systems

TUSCON, Ariz., April 26, 2016 (Vector Space Systems PR) — Vector Space Systems, a Micro Satellite space launch enterprise comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced it has secured more than $1M in angel funding at Space 2.0 in Silicon Valley. Vector Space Systems, which sports a roster of technology and aerospace giants to provide industry insight, expertise and leadership, was formed to fundamentally change the dynamics and economics of the space launch industry.

More than just another satellite launch company, Vector Space Systems connects space startups with affordable and reliable launch-enabling platforms and vehicles at a cost point never before possible for accessing space.  Featuring the only launch system dedicated to serving the rapidly growing Micro satellite market, Vector Space Systems aims to foster innovation throughout the market segment to spark space commerce growth through reliable and frequent launch opportunities.  In addition, Vector Space Systems is developing a platform approach to broaden the access of space technology to non-experts, extending the traditional launch vehicle only model to include space systems that permit anyone to innovate and create space applications without the need for hiring an entirely new satellite development team.

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