Exolaunch — the premier global provider of launch mission management, integration, and deployment services for the New Space industry – won a public tender and signed its first launch contract with the European Space Agency for launch services arrangement, integration, and deployment of the pioneering Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS). The contract highlights Exolaunch’s commitment to supporting the fast-growing European space sector while underscoring the company’s prominence in launch mission management and deployment services.
The Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) is a microsatellite carrying a 19-channel microwave radiometer, covering the frequency range of 50–325 GHz to provide high-resolution temperature and humidity profiles in all weather conditions. The mission has been designed to improve weather forecasts in the Arctic – a region that currently lacks data for accurate short-term forecasts. The EUMETSAT Polar System-Sterna mission is foreseen as the follow-on to the AWS. OHB Sweden leads the AWS industrial consortium, which includes 31 companies, including 14 small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We are excited to work with Exolaunch to provide Launch service for the Arctic Weather Satellite,” said Ville Kangas, project manager of Arctic Weather Satellite at ESA. “Exolaunch is of paramount importance to guarantee the mission’s schedule and timely start of the AWS weather data distribution to the end users.”
The AWS satellite is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 2024 on a SpaceX rideshare mission to a sun-synchronous orbit above 500 km. It will add to the number of successful deployments of small satellites through a multi-launch agreement between Exolaunch and SpaceX. Upon launch, the AWS satellite will be deployed by Exolaunch’s flight-proven proprietary satellite separation system, CarboNIX. CarboNIX is the lowest-shock and lowest-tumbling separation system ever used in space, with a patented synchronous spring pusher system that smoothly deploys satellites.
"Securing our first launch contract with the European Space Agency marks a significant milestone in Exolaunch's journey. This collaboration is not just about a single mission; it's about establishing a foundation of trust with a prestigious institution like ESA,” said Exolaunch Chief Commercial Officer Jeanne Allarie. “Our extensive experience demonstrated through the past successful deployments of over 350 customer satellites, has honed our ability to navigate complex technical and regulatory challenges, ensuring seamless launch campaigns for our global customers. As we embark on this pivotal project, we're dedicated to channeling our proven expertise in rideshare missions and efficient launch cadence to foster impactful European space programs."
Click here to learn about Exolaunch's CarboNIX Separation System.
Click here to learn more about Arctic Weather Satellite.
