Spaceflight has entered a deal to launch a small imaging satellite, SkySats, for Google subsidiary Terra Bella.

To be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite will take-off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US, by late next year.

The SkySats will be launched as part of Spaceflight’s SSO-A dedicated rideshare mission and will be accompanied by other microsats and cubesats.

Planned to carry more than 20 payloads from ten countries, the mission will launch South Korea-based Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s (KAIST) NEXTSat-1 satellite and Iceye’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) micro-satellite along with SkySats.

In addition, it will carry three formation-flying satellites for HawkEye 360.

Spaceflight president Curt Blake said: “We’re seeing a tide shift in the industry’s expectation for routine, reliable and affordable access to space.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"We’re seeing a tide shift in the industry’s expectation for routine, reliable and affordable access to space."

"The willingness of prominent commercial organisations to join forces for the advancement of global initiatives is very encouraging to the smallsat community, and to society as a whole."

The company said that it had negotiated the launch of around 120 satellites, with agreements to deploy more than 150 satellites into orbit by 2018.

Spaceflight is also planning to launch its largest constellation comprising 89 spacecraft, to be deployed by its Sherpa tug, from a Falcon 9 by next year.

Last month, a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket launched Spaceflight Industries’ BlackSky Pathfinder-1 satellite into a sun synchronous orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Image: A launch carried out by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Photo: courtesy of Spaceflight Industries, Inc.