Arianespace has signed a contract with Netherlands-based firm Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS) subsidiary Innovative Space Logistics (ISL) to launch a new set of small satellites into space.
As part of the deal, Arianespace will use its Vega rocket to deploy the ISIS satellites from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana.
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Scheduled to be launched early next year, the mission will be conducted under Vega’s Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) Proof Of Concept (POC) flight programme.
The deal will also involve the use of Arianespace’s QuadPack deployer for multiple CubeSats on the Vega SSMS POC flight for the first time.
In addition, it includes options for launching several microsatellites and additional QuadPack deployers for the SSMS POC mission and succeeding Vega SSMS launches.
Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël said: “This is a clear demonstration that our Vega launcher and its innovative multiple launch solution are perfectly adapted to the growing needs of the small satellites market.”
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By GlobalDataThe company employs its Vega rocket, the Ariane 5 heavyweight launcher and the Soyuz medium-lift vehicle to conduct various spaceflight missions from the Guiana Space Center.
The Vega POC flight is the first mission of the SSMS programme launched in 2016 by the European Space Agency, with the contribution of the European Commission.
It intends to serve the ‘New Space’ microsatellite market with a new rideshare concept on the Vega light-lift launcher for all European partners involved in the programme.
Last month, Arianespace secured a contract from SITAEL to launch the first STRIVING small satellite under Vega’s SSMS POC flight.
Manufactured by SITAEL, the first STRIVING satellite is expected to be launched next year from Guiana Space Centre.
