posted 04-26-2016 09:20 AM               

SpaceX Founding Team Launches Vector Space Systems to Redefine Space Commerce

Space launch company led by new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch; Announces initial angel funding at Space 2.0 from current and former Silicon Valley executives from Google, Adobe, Citrix, Symantec, and VMware

Vector Space Systems, a Micro Satellite space launch enterprise comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, today announced it has secured more than $1M in angel funding at Space 2.0 in Silicon Valley. Vector Space Systems, which sports a roster of technology and aerospace giants to provide industry insight, expertise and leadership, was formed to fundamentally change the dynamics and economics of the space launch industry.

More than just another satellite launch company, Vector Space Systems connects space startups with affordable and reliable launch-enabling platforms and vehicles at a cost point never before possible for accessing space. Featuring the only launch system dedicated to serving the rapidly growing Micro satellite market, Vector Space Systems aims to foster innovation throughout the market segment to spark space commerce growth through reliable and frequent launch opportunities.

In addition, Vector Space Systems is developing a platform approach to broaden the access of space technology to non-experts, extending the traditional launch vehicle only model to include space systems that permit anyone to innovate and create space applications without the need for hiring an entirely new satellite development team.

The space industry as a whole, and micro space developers in particular, need a platform that not only provides the frequent and low cost access to space, but also lowers the technology barriers and need for specialized expertise to do what they do best – create applications and commerce in space. Vector Space Systems gives space startups a solution to the slow launch rates and fixed infrastructure of the large launch vehicles, providing platform products that will broaden the appeal of space commerce to both app builders and innovators.

Micro Satellites weighing less than 50 kg are forecast to account for 75 percent of all satellites launched by number by 2020 (Space Intelligence Report 2015). The growth of the market is already here with 175 of these satellites launched in 2015 alone. This Micro Satellite market is perceived as filler to the larger launch vehicles, treated much like excess cargo that gets manifested where extra space is available.

Vector Space Systems will specifically service the Micro Satellite market with low cost and frequent orbit launches that organizations can choose rather than force Micro Satellites onto orbit "bus rides" based on someone else's schedule and destination.

posted 05-07-2017 07:36 PM               

Vector Becomes First to Complete Successful Flight Test of Launch Vehicle

Launch of Vector-R propels Vector closer to orbital capacity, validates engineering and technology behind vehicle design

Vector, a micro satellite space launch company comprised of new-space and enterprise software industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas, Sea Launch and VMware, today [May 3, 2017] announced the successful test launch of the P-19H engineering model of the Vector-R launch vehicle. This flight test is the first of several upcoming launches which will enable Vector to evaluate critical technologies and functions of the operational family of Vector launch vehicles.

"2017 has already been a ground-breaking year for Vector as we continue testing full-scale vehicle engineering models to demonstrate functionality and flight operations," said Vector co-founder and CEO Jim Cantrell. "The success of this test not only sets the standard for the swift mobile development of our launch vehicles, but also furthers our mission to revolutionize the spaceflight industry and increase speed to orbit."

This successful flight test represents Vector's next technical milestone of the Vector-R launch vehicle. The flight test, which took place in Mojave, Calif. on May 3, featured Vector's first stage 5K-lbf engine and 3D additive manufacturing printed injector, which was successfully tested in December 2016, and developed in partnership with NASA's Flight Opportunities Program.

This specific use of a 3D additive manufacturing injector is the latest in manufacturing technology. Traditional manufacturing uses a machine to produce multiple parts and then workers to assemble them together, but 3D additive manufacturing technology does not need assembly since it is built in one piece. This new manufacturing technology will reduce both cost and labor, as well as cut down on wasted raw material. It will also improve quality issues such as the alignment of parts.

"With this successful in-flight operation of an additively manufactured injector, we have now moved the maturity of this technology to the next level for small launch vehicles," said John Peugeot, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center project manager for 3D Additive Manufactured (AM). "This represents a critical step in moving AM hardware beyond laboratory testing and toward qualification for real-world applications."

This announcement comes on the heels on Vector's recent agreement to conduct a flight test in Camden County, Georgia. Vector and key members of the spaceport community in Camden County showcased the Vector-R launch system and concept of operations for future launch operations on-site last week. The summer launch from Spaceport Camden is part of a series of incremental launches which will help Vector further validate the company's technology, mature launch vehicle design and operations, and evaluate candidate launch sites for the future.

"In the 1960's NASA tested some of the most powerful rockets ever constructed on the site proposed for Spaceport Camden and we benefited from that enthusiasm and hunger for innovation," said David Ralston, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. "Vector's successful tests prove that it is an innovator in this dynamic field. Georgia looks forward to working with commercial space companies, like Vector, as we begin the next chapter of space exploration and innovation."

posted 08-03-2017 01:51 PM               

Vector-R block 0.002 successful launch at Spaceport Camden [Georgia] today with customer payload from Astro Digital.

posted 08-07-2019 05:27 PM               

Space and Missile Systems Center awards $3.4 million Small Rocket Program-Orbital contract to Vector Launch of Tucson, Arizona

The U.S. Air Force's Rocket Systems Launch Program office, part of the Space and Missile Systems Center's Launch Enterprise, the nation's number-one launch procurer of choice, awarded a $3.4 million contract to Vector Launch of Tucson, Arizona for the ASLON-45 spacelift mission via RSLP's Small Rocket Program-Orbital framework. The ASLON-45 mission will provide orbital launch services to support the Department of Defense's Space Test Program and other Government agencies, improving DOD's real-time threat warnings.

The RSLP office used Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 13.5 Simplified Acquisition Procedures to expedite the award to deliver affordable, innovative capabilities to the warfighter faster.

"We awarded this mission in just over three months from Request for Proposal release to contract award," said Lt. Col. Ryan Rose, chief of the Small Launch and Targets Division, located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. "My team is working hard to make future awards even faster and we're using ASLON-45 as part of our building blocks to get to more responsive space launch."

This will be the first U.S. Air Force mission for Vector Launch and will be launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The initial launch capability of the ASLON-45 mission is scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.

"The Small Rocket Program-Orbital framework provides orbital launch services to academia, DOD, and other Government agencies for operations, research, development, and test missions and is a shining example of SMC's drive to provide innovation and partnership across the Enterprise faster than ever before," said Col. Robert Bongiovi, director of SMC's Launch Enterprise. "These orbital missions, like ALSON-45, can be used to directly support the warfighter and demonstrate new weapon system technologies and concepts."

SMC, home to world-class satellite acquisition professionals, is the U.S. Air Force's Center of Excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, SMC's vast portfolio includes space launch, global positioning, military space vehicle communications, defense meteorological space vehicles, range systems, space vehicle control networks, space-based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

posted 08-10-2019 09:23 AM               

Vector announces departure of Jim Cantrell from Vector and appointment of John Garvey as new CEO. The following statement outlines the current state of the business. More to follow in the coming days.

In response to a significant change in financing, Vector Launch Inc (Vector) announced today that it is undertaking a pause of operations. A core team is evaluating options on completing the development of the company's Vector-R small launch vehicle, while also supporting the Air Force and other government agencies on programs such as the recent ASLON-45 award.

The company plans to make more information available next week.

posted 12-13-2019 05:29 PM               

The company filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the state where the company was incorporated. Garvey Spacecraft Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vector, also filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware at the same time...

The company is currently being funded through “debtor in possession” financing from Lockheed Martin, according to a resolution by Vector’s board of directors included in the filing. Under a Nov. 20 agreement, Lockheed provided Vector with a $500,000 secured loan and proposed purchasing Vector’s assets associated with a satellite program called GalacticSky for no more than $2.5 million.