Exolaunch and U-Space Announce Launch Services Agreement for Two Satellites on the Transporter-13 Mission with SpaceX

September 27, 2024

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Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management, integration, and satellite deployment services, today announced the signing of a Launch Services Agreement (LSA) with French satellite manufacturer U-Space. The agreement includes the launch and deployment of two 12U cubesats — “SOAP” and “PANDORE” — on the Transporter-13 Rideshare with SpaceX, slated for early 2025.

U-Space, based in Toulouse, France, specializes in the design and construction of next-generation nanosatellites for commercial, scientific, and defense missions. With a heritage rooted in expertise developed at the French Space Agency (CNES), U-Space offers turnkey solutions for satellite projects, including feasibility studies, mission analysis, and satellite operations.

SOAP and PANDORE will showcase U-Space's proficiency in nanosatellites construction. SOAP represents an important milestone for U-Space by being the first space system fully designed, built, and operated by the company. Its PANDORE mission is an innovative in-orbit demonstration (IOD) that will test several technologies.

Under the terms of the LSA, Exolaunch will provide U-Space with a complete service package designed to handle technical, logistical, and legal challenges of getting a satellite into space. This package encompasses launch capacity and mission planning, comprehensive testing, integration, global shipping, and satellite deployment for SOAP and PANDORE using Exolaunch's proven hardware.

Exolaunch is set to deploy U-Space’s two satellites using its EXOpod Nova, a high-performance cubesat deployer specifically designed for larger 12U and 16U payloads. The EXOpod Nova ensures a reliable deployment and the highest safety standards for payloads. Its customizable design supports a variety of cubesat sizes, making it ideal for complex and diverse missions. The EXOpod Nova has successfully deployed hundreds of cubesats since its introduction to the market, and its separation mechanism and advanced shock protection guarantee smooth deployments into orbit.

U-Space’s Chief Executive Officer, Fabien Apper, commented on the contract: "This agreement with Exolaunch marks an important milestone for U-Space as we prepare to deploy SOAP and PANDORE. We chose Exolaunch for their proven mission management expertise and the unparalleled performance of their EXOpod Nova deployer, which will ensure the safe and precise deployment of our satellites. We look forward to collaborating with such a trusted partner in furthering the capabilities of small satellite technology.”

“We are thrilled to welcome U-Space as our new customer and partner on the upcoming launch of their cutting-edge satellites,” said Robert Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. “This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to providing flexible and reliable launch solutions while supporting the next generation of satellite technology. It’s been a pleasure to work with the U-Space team and have the opportunity to enable their ambitious goals in space. With launch preparations currently underway, we look forward to executing another successful launch for our valued customers.”

Exolaunch has been involved in every Transporter mission with SpaceX since the inception of the Rideshare program and is on track to execute many more rideshare missions for the company’s portfolio of global customers over the next few years. By combining flight-proven hardware with a decade of mission management expertise, Exolaunch continues to support emerging and established satellite manufacturers in achieving their mission objectives, further solidifying its position as a dedicated provider of launch and deployment solutions and fostering the growth of the commercial space industry in Europe and abroad.

Source : Exolaunch