Exolaunch Deploys Satellites on Ariane 6 Inaugural Launch

Exolaunch Deploys Satellites on Ariane 6 Inaugural Launch
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 10, 2024

Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management, integration, and satellite deployment services, has successfully deployed four satellites aboard the maiden flight of Arianespace's Ariane 6. The launch took place on Tuesday, July 9 at 1600 GFT from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. This mission, representing customers ESA, NASA, and Spacemanic, underscores Exolaunch's pivotal role in expanding access to space and supporting new launch vehicle providers.

This historic mission included ESA's ISTSat-1 and 3Cat-4, NASA's CURIE, and Spacemanic's GRBBeta satellites. The deployment of these satellites demonstrates Exolaunch's commitment to advancing scientific research and technological innovation through reliable satellite deployment solutions.

ESA's ISTSat-1, created by students at the Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, aims to demonstrate ADS-B technology, testing detection capabilities and evaluating antenna and receiver performance for receiving messages from commercial aircraft. 3Cat-4, a CubeSat from Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, is a flexible microwave payload technology demonstrator with goals related to GNSS for Earth observation and AIS receiver validation.

NASA's CURIE mission involves two near-identical 3U CubeSats designed to explore low-frequency radio interferometry in space. These CubeSats will study solar radio bursts by maintaining a 1-3 km separation post-deployment, contributing to the understanding of heliospheric space weather and acting as a proof of concept for future space-based interferometry observatories.

Spacemanic's GRBBeta, a 2U CubeSat, serves as a tech demonstration for the future CAMELOT constellation, aiming to detect and locate gamma-ray bursts from space. Managed by Spacemanic and led by the Technical University of Kosice, this mission tests new subsystems, including an advanced GNSS positioning module and a radio modem for instant telemetry.

The successful launch of Ariane 6 is a major milestone for the European space industry, marking a new era of improved access to space for European entities. Ariane 6 is designed to provide flexibility and cost-efficiency, making it a suitable choice for various space missions. Through supporting this inaugural launch, Exolaunch reinforces its dedication to fostering growth and innovation in Europe's space sector.

"Exolaunch is honored to have been part of the Ariane 6 maiden flight, working alongside Arianespace, ESA, and CNES to provide our customers with dependable access to space," remarked Jeanne Allarie, chief commercial officer at Exolaunch. "We also extend congratulations to ESA, NASA, and Spacemanic on their successful satellite deployments. We are proud to support these innovative missions and look forward to the scientific and technological advancements they will each bring. This launch is not only a testament to the technical prowess and collaborative spirit of the European space community, but also a stepping stone towards a more robust, competitive European presence in the global space industry. We look forward to the opportunity to support future Ariane 6 launches and ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of space exploration."