Arianespace signed three distinct Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Dark, Orbex and PLD Space to study possible future cooperation to answer its customers’ requests.  

The small satellite market is booming and is made of always more diverse requirements and solutions, some of them in very specific orbits. Even if the majority of this market can be satisfied by ride-share flights on Ariane 6 and Vega C, micro and mini launchers can complement Arianespace portfolio to provide innovative technologies and services to new customers. Arianespace announces that it has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Dark, Orbex, and PLD Space to work on possible collaboration to answer to its customers’ requests.

Dark is a French company developing a multi-mission platform able to launch up to 300 kilograms in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 500 kilometers. Their solution is based on an air-launched rocket integrated under a plane, thus enabling launches from airports. Dark maiden flight is targeted in 2028.

Orbex is a European company based in Scotland, developing a microlauncher called Prime, with a reusable first stage, that will be able to offer dedicated and rideshare launch opportunities to satellites weighing up to 200 kilograms targeting a Low Earth Orbit. This launcher is equipped with 3D-printed rocket engines that use a renewable bio-propane fuel to limit carbon emissions. Orbex operates from Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland. Prime maiden flight is targeted to take place in late 2024.

PLD Space is a Spanish company, developing the MIURA 5 microlauncher, based on a reusable Lox/kerosene first stage which enables dedicated rideshare and piggyback launches for its customers. This vehicle is ideally positioned for small satellites ranging from CubeSats to payloads weighing up to 540 kilograms, and deploying these in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers. PLD Space targets launches from Huelva in Spain and from the French Guiana Space Center. MIURA 5 maiden flight is targeted late 2025.

In order to lay the foundations for future collaborations, these MoUs establish the terms and conditions of the various avenues of cooperation, all based on a non-exclusivity basis. Arianespace and all three companies agree to study the possibility, when applicable, to offer to their clients:

• joint offers, allowing for optimized launch solutions to address deployment of small constellations or combination of multiple small satellites.

• their respective launch solutions as possible back-ups.

This approach aims at increasing the joint capabilities and flexibility of all the parties’ services.