Gilmour makes more space available for satellite launches

Australian rocket manufacturer Gilmour Space Technologies is offering satellite and space payload developers a new rideshare mission into Low Earth Orbit on board one of first flights of the company’s Eris rocket.

Last month the company introduced its first ‘Caravan’ mission to space to launch in 2024, a dedicated rideshare rocket launch in 2024 for small satellites heading into Low Earth Orbits (LEO).

Today the company announced a second rideshare satellite mission on the launch which will offer multiple payload customers the opportunity to test and demonstrate their technology in space.

This rideshare could potentially suit satellite developers in the earlier stages of their development, according to Shaun Kenyon, Program Manager for Satellites at Gilmour Space.

Kenyon said: “We’re calling this our Kangaroo-1 mission, and it will be capable of carrying 125U (or 125 units) of payload volume into a mid-inclination orbit.

“125U is roughly equivalent to the size, weight and volume of a large microwave oven.

“That is a lot of new space technologies that can be launched and tested in a single mission.”

The G-Sat is a modular 100-kilogramme satellite platform being developed by Gilmour Space in collaboration with Griffith University.

The platform can house multiple payloads on board the company’s Eris rocket such as scientific instruments, thrusters, sensors, processors and other new space technologies.

“Our Kangaroo-1 mission is aimed at customers with individual or specific payloads who want to ‘leap ahead’ in rapidly proving their tech without the risks and costs of a full satellite mission.

“It will allow multiple organisations to gain flight experience, validate a business model, and develop their technology faster.

“Sharing a common G-Sat architecture also means that customers will be less restricted by a CubeSat volume, have access to more power, and that mission-level efforts and costs can be shared over many payloads.”

Further reading:
GILMOUR SPACE ANNOUNCES PLANNED RIDESHARE LEO MISSION FOR EARLY 2024

Picture: Gilmour Space Technologies