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July 28, 2022
Press release: Astraius announces Northrop Grumman and Exquadrum as key propulsion suppliers.
ASTRAIUS ON TRACK FOR FIRST SATELLITE LAUNCH FROM PRESTWICK SPACEPORT IN 2024
Astraius, the UK-based, horizontal launch company, has today announced two key suppliers for its innovative launch solution. Northrop Grumman has been selected as the first and second stage motor supplier, and Exquadrum will provide the upper-stage motor. With these best-of-the-best industry leaders, Astraius is on-track for first launch in Spring 2024. The announcement received the support of the UK Space Agency at the Farnborough International Air Show.
Northrop Grumman’s Orion solid rocket motors will boost the Astraius launch vehicle after its extraction from the unmodified C-17 carrier aircraft. Completing the mission, Exquadrum’s bespoke Astraius upper stage will precisely place satellites in their intended orbits.
Boeing C-17 cargo aircraft which will carry and launch the astraius rocket
Sir George Zambellas, Astraius Chairman, made today’s announcement from the Space Scotland pavilion at the Farnborough International Airshow;
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Astraius. We have a winning combination of proven launch and propulsion systems paired with exquisite rocket motor technology to produce a world-class capability. When coupled with Prestwick Spaceport’s state-of-the-art launch vehicle and payload integration facilities, Scotland will be the UK’s leader for responsive space launch.”
Astraius signing ceremony
Kevin Seymour, Astraius CEO, said;
“I am thrilled that Northrop Grumman will play a major role in our program. Their long record of flight success and clear enthusiasm for what we're doing gives us absolute confidence we’ve made the right decision. Northrop Grumman's motors are key enablers for our industry-leading, low risk, responsive, horizontal launch capability.”
Shane Clark, Astraius Vice President, Engineering & Program Execution
Kevin Mahaffy, Exquadrum CEO, attending Farnborough for the announcement, said;
“Exquadrum is excited to be part of the outstanding team that Astraius has put together to bring their unique horizontal launch vehicle to the market. Exquadrum’s controllable solid rocket motor technology, with its throttlability and precise termination ability, is an excellent fit for Astraius’ upper stage application.”
More information about Astraius:
Launch Services
Astraius provides a dependable, affordable and responsive means of launching small satellites.
Our Spaceport
Astraius will base its launch and range operations in the UK at the Prestwick Spaceport in Scotland. The Spaceport, which is at an advanced stage of planning, will provide all necessary ground-based requirements in bespoke, state of the art facilities.
The C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft will operate from the Spaceport, providing our ‘air-launch’ platform. Payload processing, launch vehicle integration, and a new mission/range control centre, will make this one of the most advanced launch facilities of its kind in the world.
Our Technology
Our unique satellite launch capability combines innovative technology and tested delivery platforms.
Astraius Overview
- Our launch vehicle is built upon a system successfully used by the US Government for over 30 complex missions and is capable of launching payloads up to 800kg.
- Our horizontal launch system uses the proven C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. It is flown by USAF, Royal Air Force and numerous other nations around the globe, with more than 250 aircraft in service.
- Our Horizontal Launch System safely delivers satellites to all Low Earth Orbit inclinations to include Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Customer Services
“Commitment to our customers is paramount. Our solutions offer the flexibility that satellite companies need. We deliver affordability with the highest standards of service. We’re looking forward to developing a relationship with you.” Kevin Seymour, CEO
We will begin launching satellites in 2024 for our customers from the UK and across the world, with the likelihood of expanding our global basing footprint starting in 2025.
Talk to us now about your needs and secure a dependable, affordable, low-risk launch to your orbit, on your schedule.
Related links:
Northrop Grumman: https://www.northropgrumman.com/
Exquadrum: https://www.exquadrum.com/
Astraius: https://www.astraius.com/
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Astraius/Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
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