Following a call for application issued by CNES, MaiaSpace has been selected to operate its reusable launcher from the former Soyuz launch pad (ELS) in the Guiana Space Center.

Up to now, the company was working on several European launch pad options for MaiaSpace launcher’s first flight and subsequent commercial exploitation phase. Teams can now focus operations and schedule on a baseline solution for the start of commercial exploitation in 2026 from the European spaceport in French Guiana. Selection criteria included, among others, request to launch at least 1.5 ton in Low Earth Orbit by 2027, to have credible business model, technical and financial maturity for the project, and environmental responsibility.

Former Soyuz launch pad in French Guiana (ELS) becomes the reference launch pad of MaiaSpace’s reusable launcher. This announcement is a critical milestone for MaiaSpace. Teams are more than ever confident in their ability to deliver, four years after the creation of MaiaSpace as a private and autonomous European company, competitive, innovative, scalable, future-proof and more eco-responsible space transport and space mobility solutions from 2026.

“The reuse of already existing launch pad infrastructures is perfectly in line with MaiaSpace’s approach to minimize as much as possible its environmental footprint, on Earth and in Space. In addition, such cost-effective solution will contribute to optimizing the level of its capital expenditures and therefore MaiaSpace’s business viability”, explained Yohann Leroy, CEO of Maiaspace. “With this decision, MaiaSpace is proud to contribute to the economic development and to innovation in French Guiana, through the investments of several tens of millions of euros for the adaptation of the launch pad to our needs, or the development of a local bio-sourced methane production sector. Finally, MaiaSpace demonstrates one more time the relevance to combine the best of both worlds, building tomorrow’s successes from yesterday’s rather than starting from a blank page, while maintaining the speed, the agility and the culture of risk of a start-up. This unique approach is key to provide our customers with the most competitive space launch and mobility services in their category.”

French Guiana is not only an ideal location for launching satellites into space, benefiting from the maximum slingshot effect generated by the rotation of the Earth, particularly for the deployment of satellite constellations in inclined orbit. Having a very wide opening onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Guiana Space Center allows access to all orbit inclinations and is also a must, perfect solution for recovering the Main Stage of the launcher on a barge at sea, few hundreds of kilometers off the coast. Last but not least, ELS allows outstanding perspectives of growth both in terms of launcher capability and launch rate.

Source: MaiaSpace

Leading French rocket company, Sirius Space Services (Sirius), has signed a historic contract with Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) for a multi-year, multi-launch campaign from the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) at the World Space Business Week conference in Paris, France overnight.

The agreement will see Sirius become a ‘Resident Launcher’ at the spaceport from 2025, taking up residency at their own dedicated Space Launch Complex (SLC) for the extended term of their multi-year contract. Sirius has elected to take up a ‘full service’ solution to be provided by ELA, taking advantage of the full suite of launch and mission support services and facilities available at the remote but ‘cutting edge’ commercial East Arnhem Land spaceport.

The campaign will begin with the development and test flights of SIRIUS 1 in 2026 followed by launches of the larger SIRIUS 13 (800kg payload capacity) in 2027.

The flexibility to access a range of orbits, including medium and low inclination orbits, SSO and equatorial, along with ELA’s full-service offering were the key reasons behind the decision by Sirius to sign with ELA for launches from the ASC.

The deal significantly emphasises the desirability and market-fit of launching from the Arnhem Space Centre and the industry leading advanced engineering and technology solutions and launch services provided by ELA.

“I’m delighted and excited to announce this contract with Sirius Space Services today,” said ELA’s Group CEO Michael Jones. “Sirius will become the second resident launcher at the Arnhem Space Centre which means they will leverage ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept, taking advantage of our comprehensive suite of launch solutions, innovative commercial offering and the best customer service and support to increase efficiency, safety, mission assuredness and commercial benefit to Sirius”.

Sirius, whose planned launch cadence could scale up over time to 18 launches per year, develops competitive launch solutions designed to meet the growing needs of the commercial space market. “It was key for Sirius to have the ability to access unique orbit options to service their clients and we are probably the only place on the planet that could provide access to these orbits, the support level required, and access to the scope of launch services in the timeframe required,” said Jones.

“We absolutely love working with Sirius who we believe are amongst the most mature and advanced launch service providers we work with. We first visited Antoine Fourcade, Co-founder and CEO, and Francois Maroquene-Froissart Co-founder and CTO in their offices in La Defence (Paris) nearly three years ago. We have visited numerous times, and they have joined us in Adelaide and at the ASC. We really like their whole team,” Jones said.

Sirius has selected Space Launch Complex No.3 (SLC3) or ‘Le Mans’ for their home base. The Le Mans SLC will have a dedicated 45m x 26m x 12m high Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) with ISO 8 vertical payload integration clean room with its own full span, 20T gantry crane. Le Mans SLC also has two ASC Advanced Launch Pads (ASCALPTM) where one will be fully developed with the ability to accommodate Sirius’ three variants of rocket, SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13 and, in future, the large 4 booster SIRIUS 15 variant. The other launch pad will be part-developed as a back-up.

Services to be provided by ELA as part of the deal include joint design, manufacturing, integration of a range of essential launch system equipment (under Sirius lead) as well as a comprehensive systems and services for launch and mission operations (under ELA lead). It will cover a very wide scope including: strongback and support/clamping equipment design and integration, propellant, oxidiser and gases provision and delivery to the rockets, launch management, mission control functions, assistance with launch permit applications, logistics to and from Paris to the ASC spaceport, on-site accommodation and detailed support for assembly, integration and test of both engines and rocket systems.

“When you combine the list of services and equipment offered with physical attributes of the spaceport including: minimal jet stream and stable upper atmosphere, low maritime and air traffic and all the attendant infrastructure assets in our area such as a sealed B737 capable runway and airport within 15 kms, deepwater port, weather monitoring facilities, hospital and no population within 30 kms, it’s quite compelling. When added to the most important element - the access to more orbital inclinations for Earth Observation, Communication/IOT and Defence applications - the ASC can be almost be considered a ‘designer spaceport’,” said Jones.

“Sirius is bringing innovation into the small launch market by developing a range of agile and affordable and flexible launch solutions. They are an extremely impressive rocket company. The rate of progress during each of our visits to their premises in the past few years has been remarkable and their vision for sustainable and reusable space systems is world leading,” Jones said.

Sirius’ has an innovative approach to rocket engine design which comprises metal additive manufacturing / 3D printing using copper and nickel-chromium superalloys. Its STAR-1 engine is fuelled by liquid oxygen and methane - producing 55kN of thrust. The agreement marks the second ‘Resident Launcher’ contract for ELA; further validating ELA’s innovative business model. Several other contracts and commercial alliance deals are expected to be announced in the very near future.

Mr Jones stated that in addition to contracted rocket companies Innospace and Sirius, inbound enquiry relating to ELA’s services has been ‘hot’ meaning the Space Launch Complexes are filling fast. “We are currently in the final stages of negotiation with three more launchers about our resident launch contracts, so our remaining orbital complexes are filling fast. The feedback we are receiving is that our comprehensive, full-service approach is really resonating with these rocket companies and their payload customers and that is why we’ve developed our new tagline: ‘You build the rockets… we’ll take care of the rest’™️,” said Jones.

In addition to its seven dedicated ‘Resident Launcher’ Space Launch Complexes, ELA has expanded its offering to include common use, multi-user launch pads for adhoc or ‘one-off’ launches as well as a suborbital multi-user launch pad facility. “This contract demonstrates the potential for the ASC to deliver on our goal of being the pre-eminent commercial launch site globally. With the combination of our launch pad design/technology, launch inclination options, respected geopolitical reputation, infrastructure, logistics and engineering support solutions, we know we offer a highly competitive and attractive spaceport solution,” said Jones.

François Maroquene-Froissart, Co-founder & CTO of Sirius Space Services said, “Our decision to select ELA was driven by their advanced commercial spaceport concept, which includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative commercial offerings, and exceptional customer service and support. ELA's commitment to safety, operational excellence, and service aligns with our mission to deliver agile and competitive launch solutions to our global clientele,” he said.

Source: Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA)

Less than one year after the opening of the Norwegian spaceport at Andøya, Andøya Spaceport has reached yet another important milestone towards the first launch of satellites from Norwegian soil. On Thursday 22nd of August, Andøya Spaceport received its Launch Site Operator license from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Norway is thus taking another important step into the newspace age and consolidating Norway’s position as the leading space nation in the Arctic.

With this license, Andøya Spaceport located on the island of Andøya in Nordland has formally become a Launch Site Operator, with the overall responsibility for developing, operating and ensuring safe operations from the newly developed spaceport. The license allows the spaceport to operate the launch site for launch vehicles that places satellites into orbit from Norwegian soil.

Norway as a space nation and safe steward of spaceport concepts for Europe

The fact that Andøya Spaceport has now received permission to conduct operations have major strategic implications for Norway and our partners and marks the start of Norway’s newspace age. The space industry is not only a critical factor in handling national and international functions, but also a catalyst for innovation and economic growth as it opens the doors to an entirely new ecosystem. With Andøya Spaceport as an operational spaceport, Norway can now play an active role in the global space industry by offering sovereign, reliable and fast access to space from Norwegian soil. This is an important step in positioning Norway as a key actor for space infrastructure, and it emphasizes national ambitions to become a key space nation in Europe.

“There is a huge team effort behind the work to get this license in place. Ever since 2018, our team has been building the foundation that now enables launch of satellites from Norwegian soil. The Collaboration with Isar Aerospace, authorities and stakeholder groups has been key. Building a spaceport from scratch has required patience, creativity and perseverance, and has demanded varied expertise from many different industries.“ (Lasse Berg, Interim President, Andøya Spaceport)

Europe’s new highway to space is passing through Norway

Andøya Spaceport is strategically and geographically located to launch small satellites of up to 1.5 tons into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. The spaceport has good logistical conditions with Andøya Airport and deep water port availability, as well as road connections to Europe. With this new “highway” to space, Norway enables rocket launch companies to offer reliable and independent access to space, which is crucial at a time when the space industry is becoming increasingly commercialized and important for national and allied security.

“We are very pleased with the permit and that the Norwegian authorities in this way give the spaceport the opportunity to enter an extended operational phase. For us, this means that we are now extra focused on the overall responsibility we have as a spaceport operator to ensure the safety of all actors involved, not least the local community. In addition to being Europe’s most efficient and attractive spaceport, we also aim to be the safest!” (Jon Harr, Operations Director, Andøya Spaceport)

First customer to launch from Andøya Spaceport is Isar Aerospace

The European space company Isar Aerospace is Andøya Spaceport’s first customer. The company has established itself as a technological leader, having developed proprietary know-how through full vertical integration as well as owning design, production, and testing operations entirely in-house. The company has a dedicated launch pad at the spaceport and it is Isar Aerospace’s in-house developed launch vehicle Spectrum, that soon will be launched from Andøya Spaceport. Currently, the company is working towards Spectrum’s first test flight. The first and second stage of Spectrum will soon undergo stage testing, a series of hotfire tests which will verify that the systems meet all necessary requirements for flight.

“We congratulate Andøya Spaceport on receiving the Launch site operator license. This milestone enables our team at Isar Aerospace to continue with our ambitious plan and soon start with the final stage tests ahead of Spectrum’s first test flight. Together with Andøya Spaceport, our team has created an excellent piece of engineering, the first orbital launch site in continental Europe. We can’t wait for Spectrum to begin operations.” (Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations, Isar Aerospace)

Source: Andøya Spaceport

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, July 31, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- On July 31, 2024, Ontario-based NordSpace Corp. announced that it will be investing $5M towards the development of the first phase of Spaceport Canada, a mission critical component of the company’s end-to-end space launch service.

Spaceport Canada, owned and operated by NordSpace Corp., will be a commercial spaceport designed for the company’s orbital launch vehicle, Tundra, as well as partner launch vehicles under the upcoming Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between the United States and Canada. NordSpace is a leading Canadian space technology company, building Canada’s first vertically integrated solution for space launch spanning sustainable launch vehicles, portable spaceport solutions, and low-cost satellite systems.

NordSpace is working actively with the Canadian Government to ensure the success of Spaceport Canada, and would like to thank Transport Canada, NAV Canada, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, and Space Canada for their continued support. Canada is the only G7 nation without sovereign launch capabilities. In addition to substantial benefits for Canada’s national security, environmental protection efforts, and global leadership, such a capability would result in an estimated 650 new highly qualified personnel (HQPs) over the next decade alone and $2.5B in economic development.

NordSpace’s CEO, Rahul Goel, commented - “We are facing another Avro Arrow moment in Canada, and have a decision to make as a nation. Will we remain spectators, or will we aspire to be participants and leaders in the new commercial space era? Opening the floodgates to space with a Canadian launch vehicle, from a Canadian spaceport, carrying a Canadian payload - that is the definition of sovereign launch, and it will change the shape of our great nation for generations. We are working day and night and investing significant resources because time is of the essence. We are building this end-to-end capability, not a piecemeal solution, for all Canadians.”

When asked to comment on NordSpace's announcement of Spaceport Canada, Space Canada's CEO and former Premier of New Brunswick, Brian Gallant said "The value of developing domestic space launch capabilities, including commercial, cannot be understated as it will allow us to launch Canadian space technologies from Canada. In addition to the fact that the demand for commercial launch services is growing both nationally and globally, given space is a strategic sector playing a pivotal role in defence by protecting our security and sovereignty, Canada needs to enhance its domestic launch capabilities."

The company has been working closely with several provinces across Canada to identify the most suitable location for Canada’s first operational spaceport, including touring multiple sites, meeting local communities and governments, conducting preliminary environmental and aeronautical studies, and submitting applications for rezoning, land acquisition, and permitting where appropriate. NordSpace will announce the selected location for Spaceport Canada ahead of the second launch of its experimental suborbital vehicle, which is slated to take place at the new spaceport.

NordSpace’s plans for Spaceport Canada includes the construction of two launch pads, Pad A and Pad B expected to offer launch inclinations between 45 to 95 degrees facilitating potentially the widest range of orbits in North America. The ability to reach everything between equatorial to polar orbits will be a significant strategic advantage for NordSpace and Spaceport Canada. Pad A is reserved for NordSpace’s own launch vehicle, Tundra. Pad B is reserved for launch partners in the United States, to be disclosed at a later date. The upcoming Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA), a bilateral treaty between Canada and the United States, creates the opportunity for Pad B to serve as a critical resource for U.S. based launch vehicles. NordSpace has been working with the U.S. Department of Defence, Space Systems Command, and the U.S. Space Force to ensure the development of Pad B is strategically aligned.

On January 20th, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it supports commercial space launches in Canada with affirming remarks from The Honourable Omar Alghabra (former Minister of Transport), The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry), and The Honourable Marc Garneau (Member of Parliament, former Canadian astronaut). "By enabling commercial space launch from Canada, we are creating the conditions for a vibrant and growing space sector, including an opportunity to create thousands of more jobs, which will make us more competitive internationally and more resilient at home.” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne.

About NordSpace

NordSpace is a Canadian space engineering company developing a diverse range of space technologies, with the mission to “Advance Life on Earth, from Space”. NordSpace’s goal is to lead Canada into a new era of space exploration and deliver critically needed momentum, jobs, innovation, inspiration, national security and sovereignty. The company’s core divisions focus on the development of launch vehicles, satellites, and spaceports. NordSpace is developing 3 classes of launch vehicles, named Taiga (sub-orbital), Boreal (light-orbital), and Tundra (orbital).

Source: NordSpace