Rocket Lab announced Flatellite, a scalable and stackable satellite for large constellations. The new solution will enable high-speed connectivity and remote sensing capability for national security, defense or commercial markets.
“The industry is hungry for versatile satellites that are affordable and built fast in high volumes,” said Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab in a statement.
“Flatellite is […] a bold, strategic move toward completing the final step in Rocket Lab’s ultimate vision of being a truly end-to-end space company, operating its own constellation and delivering services from space,” Beck added. “By having our own rides to space with Neutron and Electron and being able to build our own spacecraft in high volumes, we’re at a distinct advantage when it comes to deploying constellations with speed and cost-efficiency.”
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Flatellite technical strenghts
Flatellite is designed to support a range of applications by offering a high operational duty cycle, according to the company. This flexibility allows it to accommodate different mission requirements, from continuous data transmission to Earth observation. Additionally, the satellite’s architecture enables adaptability for both commercial and government users seeking long-term operational efficiency.
A key aspect of its design is its launch efficiency. The stackable form factor allows multiple satellites to be deployed in a single launch, optimizing payload capacity. This approach is not new in the industry: SpaceX proved this concept more than six years ago with Starlink-dedicated launches carrying up to 60 satellite each.
Additionally, Flatellite is engineered for integration with Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch vehicle, expected to debut later this year according to the company, allowing for streamlined deployment and compatibility with existing launch infrastructure.
Rocket Lab says that the satellite is constructed with an emphasis on both performance and cost-effectiveness. It incorporates flight-proven components and benefits from a vertically integrated manufacturing process, which facilitates rapid production while ensuring reliability. Moreover, the spacecraft is designed for long operational lifespans and high-power capabilities, making it suitable for missions that require sustained performance. By leveraging standardized components and efficient production techniques, costs are managed without compromising operational reliability.
Cybersecurity is also a critical consideration in Flatellite’s development. It utilizes Rocket Lab’s MAX Constellation flight software and InterMission ground software. These measures are particularly relevant for national security applications and other use cases where data integrity and secure communication are priorities.
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Rocket Lab spacecraft family
Flatellite completes an expanding set of satellites developed by Rocket Lab, all manufactured in the Company’s Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. It joins a group of four different spacecraft models that range across various fields of operation for commercial, civil, and national security missions.
Explorer is a high delta-V spacecraft with large propellant tanks, deep space avionics, and ranging transponders. It supports missions to Mars, Venus, the Moon, Lagrange points, and near-Earth objects, launching on Electron, Neutron, or other vehicles. It gained flight heritage in the CAPSTONE mission and serves as the basis for the ESCAPADE Mars mission spacecraft.
Lightning is a ~3 kW spacecraft with a 12+ year LEO lifespan, high power, radiation tolerance, and redundancy for telecom and remote sensing.
Pioneer is a configurable medium delta-V spacecraft supporting up to 120 kg payloads for diverse missions, including re-entry and dynamic space operations. It provides power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control for Varda Space Industries’ capsule that processes pharmaceutical products in microgravity.
Photon is Rocket Lab’s integrated launch-plus-spacecraft solution, based on the Electron Kick Stage, providing power, propulsion, and communications for diverse LEO missions. Weighing 200-300 kg, it supports civil, defense, and commercial customers with precision orbit insertion and responsive space capabilities.
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