Gilmour Space announces first ‘Caravan’ rideshare mission to LEO
20 Sept 22
Australia’s first Caravan to space is expected to launch in late 2024, carrying multiple satellites and payloads into low earth orbits.
Australian launch services company, Gilmour Space Technologies, has announced that it will launch a dedicated rideshare mission into low earth orbit (LEO) in late 2024.
Unlike most rocket launches which host a primary customer payload, a rideshare launch comprises of many customer payloads such as CubeSats, microsats and other small spacecraft.
“Called Caravan-1, this mission will provide affordable access to new space customers looking to launch into a mid-inclination orbit at the end of 2024,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space.
The venture-capital-backed company is developing Australian rockets that will deliver a variety of spacecraft into LEO; and is expecting to launch its first Eris vehicle from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia, early next year.
“Caravan-1 will launch in 2024 on our upgraded Eris Block 2 rocket (pictured), which will have a lift capacity of one tonne or 1,000 kilograms to LEO — a significant upgrade in launch capability and capacity for our customers,” he added.
Caravan-1 customers will also have the option of using a standard 15-inch adaptor port, and/or leveraging on Gilmour Space’s modular satellite platform, called the G-Sat, for individual payloads. (Details available on request at [email protected].)
“The next few years are going to be a very exciting time for the global space industry, and missions like this will allow us to support the growth of new satellite and in-orbit technologies that could benefit humanity on Earth, in space, and beyond,” said Mr Gilmour.
Source: APDR