Launch vehicle Spectrum to launch D-Orbits ION Satellite Carrier as a primary customer to SSO.
Isar Aerospace has entered into a firm launch services agreement with space infrastructure pioneer D-Orbit.
The companys launch vehicle Spectrum, which is developed for small and medium satellites and satellite constellations, will launch D-Orbits ION Satellite Carrier as a primary customer to a Sun-synchronous orbit from its launch site in Andøya, Norway with a launch term starting in 2023.
Both companies share the mission to contribute to humanitys progress and our planets sustainable, technological, and economic development by reducing the barriers to access space. Thereby they are offering start-ups, companies, and public institutions opportunities to launch and place satellites in orbit in a flexible and cost-efficient way.
Based in Italy, D-Orbit addresses the logistical needs of the space market. With its ION Satellite Carrier, the company may gear satellites to distinct spots in orbit, hosting several payloads during each mission. The companys solution is to reduce the time from launch to operations by up to 85% and the launch costs of an entire satellite constellation by up to 40%. Earlier this year, D-Orbit announced plans to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company.
Commenting on the agreement, Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace, said: “We are pleased to welcome D-Orbit onboard Spectrums flight and thank the D-Orbit team for the trust they place in us. We are looking forward to working towards our common goal of reducing the barriers to flexible space access.”
Renato Panesi, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of D-Orbit, added: “We are glad to partner with Isar Aerospace and have great confidence in the technological development of the Spectrum launch vehicle. Together we will leverage the potential of in-orbit transportation.”
