Exolaunch, a company specializing in satellite deployment and mission management, is gearing up for the Bandwagon-2 Rideshare mission in collaboration with SpaceX.
Scheduled for no earlier than December 2024, the launch will take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission involves the integration and deployment of 22 satellites for exolaunch, with 15 cubesats and 7 microsatellites forming the payload.
The Bandwagon-2 mission builds on the Bandwagon-1 launch conducted earlier this year. The mission’s mid-inclination orbital profile is noted for its unique opportunities, catering to the needs of satellite operators with diverse payload configurations. Previously, SpaceX only offered polar orbits dedicated rideshare missions, known as Transporter.
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A packed year of missions
The payload on Bandwagon-2 reflects the broad international reach of Exolaunch’s services. Customers participating in the mission represent seven countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Djibouti, Finland, Mongolia, and the United States. Their satellites vary in size, purpose, and mission objectives, aligning with the rideshare model of grouping multiple payloads to optimize launch costs and opportunities.
This mission represents Exolaunch’s seventh launch campaign of the year. The company has previously worked with SpaceX on Bandwagon-1 and Transporter-10 and Transporter-11 Rideshare missions, while also managing two dedicated launches with Rocket Lab and participating in ESA’s Ariane 6 maiden flight.
To date, Exolaunch reports having facilitated the deployment of 83 satellites in 2024, bringing its cumulative total to over 430 satellites across 30 missions. The company is headquartered in Germany and the United States.
For Bandwagon-2, Exolaunch is loading its proprietary hardware in the Falcon 9’s fairings, to ensure smooth satellite integration and release. Among the tools will be the CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings, the EXOpod Nova deployers (specifically designed for cubesats), and the EXOport adapters.
According to the company, these systems are engineered for high reliability, aiming to minimize the shock and vibration experienced during deployment. The hardware can manage over 700 kilograms of combined payload mass.
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It’s not only about the hardware
In addition to its hardware capabilities, Exolaunch supports its customers through launch procurement and mission management. Services include regulatory compliance, coordination of global logistics for sensitive hardware, and integration of satellites with launch vehicles. According to the company, these services are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse customer base, helping operators navigate the complexities of satellite launches.
Commenting on the upcoming mission, Robert W. Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch, stated: “We’re honored to work with SpaceX on the mid-inclination Bandwagon-2 mission. Our long-standing relationship has been instrumental in Exolaunch’s growth, and this mission demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of global access to space.”
“With each mission, we continue to raise the bar for satellite integration and deployment, and we’re proud to support the innovative and impactful work of our new and existing customers flying on Bandwagon-2,” he added.
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