The nanosatellite launch vehicle provider Vector Space Systems and space mission provider/spacecraft manufacturer Open Cosmos have signed an agreement for Open Cosmos to book five Vector-R launch vehicle flights. These will take place between 2019 and 2023. The Vector R’s first orbital launch is scheduled for July of this year at the Kodiak launch site in Alaska.
Based in the UK, Open Cosmos provides end-to-end mission services enabling its clients to focus on in-orbit data. This one-stop-shop to orbit allows companies to have dedicated nanosatellite missions for remote sensing payloads, Internet of Things (IoT)/telecommunication services, scientific research, or space technology in-orbit demonstrations. Open Cosmos manufactures its satellites in-house, procures launch services from partners like Vector, and operates nanosatellite fleets using its own satellite operations system while leveraging existing ground segment infrastructure.
Vector is planning an eventual production rate of 100 expendable launch vehicles per year at its factory in Pima County, Arizona.
Vector-R launch vehicle Courtesy: Vector Space Systems
