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Transporter-14 is Ready for Liftoff 966 640 SEOPS Space

Transporter-14 is Ready for Liftoff

Transporter-14 is Ready for Liftoff

We’re getting excited—the Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX is nearly ready to head to space. The launch is currently set for this month, taking off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Now, we could go on (and on!) about how we secure capacity, handle mission management, and take care of integration services—but what we really love is shining a spotlight on our customers and their incredible payloads.

Let’s take a look at a few of the exciting payloads flying with us on this mission.

FOSSASAT-2E21 

Hailing from Madrid, FOSSA Systems’ latest 3U CubeSat heads into space as part of an ambitious 80-satellite constellation. This powerhouse payload is all about direct-to-device LoRa communications for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices—basically, making it easier than ever to connect remote sensors and gear, even in places where traditional networks don’t reach.

Built entirely in-house by the FOSSA team, this satellite will help provide secure, reliable, and accessible IoT connectivity from low Earth orbit. Whether it’s monitoring a farm in the middle of nowhere or tracking shipping containers out at sea, the constellation helps bridge the gap between far-flung assets and the people managing them.

And the FOSSA team had some kind words about working with SEOPS:

“SEOPS’ heritage is incredible and they really help you not worry about getting your spacecraft into space—they just handle it,” said Julian Fernandez, CEO of FOSSA Systems. “They provide straightforward, rapid, and reliable access to space, and we’re looking forward to working with them on future missions.”

Above: Final integration preparations are complete for the FOSSASAT-2E21 payload.

Good Ancestor Kilakila 

This small but mighty 2U CubeSat has a big mission. Its objective is to test out an experimental software-defined radio (SDR) payload and some pretty clever antennas with software-controlled polarization. Translation? It’s all about seeing how flexible, adaptable radio tech can perform in space.

What makes Good Ancestor Kilakila especially cool is that it was built on a super tight budget and timeline—yet it still packs a serious punch when it comes to tech. Think of it as a space-grade DIY project that brings together some familiar (and beloved) open hardware components, like:

  • A LimeSDR-XTRX software-defined radio
  • Raspberry Pi Compute Module
  • RP2040 microcontroller
  • Zephyr real-time operating system
  • And a Raspberry Pi Camera Module

One final note about Good Ancestor Kilakila: Scott Torborg of Quadrature Cat designed and produced the experimental payload, with sponsorship from Lime Microsystems.  

Above: Filed under ‘Always nice to hear’ – The Good Ancestor Kilakila team added “We really enjoyed working with the SEOPS team. They provided the necessary experience for a flawless integration.”

TrustPoint’s Time Flies 

Another standout payload on this mission is a powerful satellite focused on Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Its main job? Serving as an on-orbit demonstration of cutting-edge signal and service technologies.

TrustPoint is working on a fully commercial Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), designed to bring major upgrades to the way users access positioning and timing data. By tapping into their advanced C-band LEO satellite constellation, they’re aiming to deliver better accuracy, faster time to first fix, and strong protections against spoofing and jamming.

This isn’t just about cool tech—it’s also supporting U.S. government efforts to boost PNT resiliency and paving the way for next-gen commercial applications. The system was built from the ground up with one mission in mind: delivering the performance, security, and reliability needed for everything from autonomous vehicles to critical infrastructure and national defense.

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And last but definitely not least—a huge round of applause for our incredible mission integration team! Their dedication, precision, and all-around space magic make these launches possible. From countless checklists to those final fit checks, they always go above and beyond to get our customers’ smallsats ready for flight.

We see you, Carl, Don, and Brady—you’re rockstars in lab coats (and hair and beard nets). Thank you for everything you do to keep things running smoothly and missions on track. We couldn’t do it without you!

Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for mission updates. 

International Coalition Delivers Capacity, Integration, and Hardware for Payloads on Transporter-14 Mission with SpaceX 1024 768 SEOPS Space

International Coalition Delivers Capacity, Integration, and Hardware for Payloads on Transporter-14 Mission with SpaceX

International Coalition Delivers Capacity, Integration, and Hardware for Payloads on Transporter-14 Mission with SpaceX

SEOPS, ISISPACE and Maverick Space ready payloads from Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, and United States 

GIDDINGS, TX – June 16, 2025 – SEOPS, a leading provider of responsive launch and space mission services, together with Maverick Space Systems and Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE) have again leveraged their unique areas of expertise to prepare seven customer spacecraft from six countries as part of the upcoming Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The Transporter-14 mission is targeted to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket this month from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Similar to their collaboration on Transporter-13, the three service providers collaborated to manage all aspects of payload integration including providing deployment hardware, logistical support and integration expertise and facilities. SEOPS customers include the USA’s TrustPoint Time Flies, Good Ancestor Kilakila and Spain’s FOSSASAT2E21. ISISPACE brings RIDUSAT from Germany/Indonesia, PARUS-T2 from Taiwan, and TPA-1 from New Zealand, while Maverick adds Singapore’s Satoro-T3. 

Above: The coalition’s integration team readies customer payloads for Transporter-14.

Highlighting one of the payloads onboard, Madrid-based FOSSA Systems contracted with SEOPS for the capacity, mission management and integration services of its payload, FOSSASAT2E21. The 3U spacecraft is part of a larger network of 80 fully in-house developed IoT satellites that FOSSA Systems is deploying to provide direct to device LoRa communications with low-power devices. 

“SEOPS’ heritage is incredible, and they really help you not worry about getting your spacecraft into space–they just handle it. They provide straightforward, rapid and reliable access to space,” said Julian Fernandez, CEO at FOSSA Systems.

“Helping such a wide range of international payloads get to space and realize their mission goals is why we go the extra mile,” said Chad Brinkley, chief executive officer of SEOPS. “Collectively as partners, we strive to make the experience of getting spacecraft on orbit hassle-free, a ‘we got you’ part of their journey. We’re always grateful to hear that the expertise we bring to the table–whether it’s finding the best launch, ensuring all the licensing or shipping logistics are covered, or selecting the best deployment system, is second-to-none in the industry.”

The three launch services providers announced in 2024 they were forming a partnership to better serve the growing market for launch needs, including collaborating on an upcoming GTO rideshare mission with SpaceX slated for 2028.

About SEOPS

U.S.-owned and operated, SEOPS is a leading provider of integration and launch solutions for smallsats headed to LEO, cislunar, and beyond. The team brings years of experience and trusted relationships with launch vehicle providers, helping customers expertly execute mission campaigns for education, scientific advancement, and national security needs, including tactically responsive rideshare launch. SEOPS’ comprehensive launch services, from capacity procurement to flexible deployment systems, orbital transfer vehicle solutions, mission design and integration services, ensure payloads get on orbit in the most seamless, cost-effective way possible. The company collectively brings expertise from more than 400 satellite deployments, including for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and NRO. Additionally, SEOPS has managed 17 rideshare launches, including many rideshare and International Space Station cargo rendezvous missions. For more information or to book your next launch, visit seops.space.

About Maverick Space Systems 

Maverick Space Systems provides customized, cost-effective, and responsive end-to-end launch integration solutions. The company’s core competencies include mission management, launch deployment hardware, and comprehensive integration services across a wide range of launch vehicles. Maverick combines deep industry expertise with agility to deliver turnkey solutions that reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and ensure payload readiness. Maverick has successfully launched over 90 satellites since its inception in 2019, including commercial, NASA and DoD space payloads. Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, near Vandenberg Space Force Base, Maverick is strategically positioned to support both commercial and government launch operations. For more information, please visit maverickspace.com.

About ISISPACE 

Located in Delft, The Netherlands, ISIS – Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE) is a leading company in the small satellite market. Founded in 2006, the company serves customers worldwide in accomplishing their space missions and applications. As a space infrastructure and services provider, ISISPACE designs and delivers small satellite solutions for single missions and constellations and offers state-of-the-art launch equipment and rideshare launch services. The ISILAUNCH department of ISISPACE has been responsible for many launch campaigns, bringing more than 700 customer satellites to orbit. For more information about ISISPACE, please contact us at sales@isispace.nl or visit the website at www.isispace.nl.

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SEOPS Media Contact:
Jodi Sorensen, on behalf of SEOPS 

Cell: 206-856-4202
jodi@littlecandlemarketing.com

Why Early Access is Everything 1000 500 SEOPS Space

Why Early Access is Everything

WHY EARLY ACCESS IS EVERYTHING

Every satellite operator’s mission is a complex dance of hardware, logistics and knowledge. Their focus is to make sure their spacecraft is optimized for a successful mission. Unfortunately, too often this results in leaving the process of booking a launch and dealing with integration concerns to a later stage which can result in delays and added costs. Additionally, with today’s scarcity of launch capacity,  it can also mean spacecraft can get stuck on the ground with long waitlists for launch. 

SEOPS recognized this need emerging from our customer engagements and responded with an innovative program, called LaunchLock. It gives customers the opportunity to lock in a launch up to three years in advance and, maybe even more importantly, provides your team with early access to SEOPS’ experienced mission managers, integration specialists and engineers. Having these discussions and insights earlier in the process can smooth the path to launch, making integration fast and seamless with a secure launch date when the spacecraft is ready. 

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These are just a few reasons to lock in your launch early:

  1. Mitigate Late-Stage Design Changes. If integration issues arise late in the process, satellite operators may need to make expensive last-minute modifications. Early guidance helps streamline design choices that align with the launch vehicle’s constraints. Our team is familiar with the exacting specifications of the launch vehicle, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Not all satellites and launch vehicles are built to the same specifications. Engaging integration experts early helps identify potential mismatches in interfaces, power requirements, and other issues before they become major obstacles.
  2. Eliminate Dispenser Issues. Satellite dispensers must be carefully matched to both the satellite and the launch vehicle. Early expert involvement helps prevent fit and release mechanism problems that could lead to costly delays or mission failure. For example, we have seen CubeSats arrive with the inhibit switch (to prevent it from starting up before deployment) in an inopportune place. When the satellite was loaded into the deployer, it tried to start up, causing the team to have to remove it and send it back to the manufacturer for reconfiguring. 
  3. Ensures Other Hardware Compatibility. Having access to our integration team well before actual integration also will ensure things like test cables are compatible, that ground support equipment is appropriate, and safe transportation to the integration site is covered. We’ve seen customer-supplied ground support equipment nearly fail, risking the customer’s satellite. Don’t get this far in the process only to have a failure so close to launch.
  4. Plan for Additional Testing Requirements. Some launch vehicles or configurations may require extra testing, such as vibration, thermal, or separation tests. Experts can help operators anticipate these needs, preventing unexpected delays or any risk to the spacecraft due to additional testing. Also, by having experts up front, they can reduce the risk of needing to apply for costly and time consuming waivers from the launch vehicle provider.

By bringing our team of experts in early, we can help head off potential issues and give you a better chance of finding appropriate solutions for your spacecraft’s Integration, long before it becomes critical. This proactive planning ensures smoother operations, helping you stick to tight launch timelines and budgets. Let our experts advise you on the best approaches to reduce risks and avoid unnecessary redesigns. The time to solve integration challenges is at the design phase, not a few months prior to launch.

Besides these reasons to engage with  our experts early, you’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that you have a launch waiting for you when your spacecraft is ready. Having the certainty of a launch also gives you a leg up on your competitors and gives investors and the industry confidence in your mission. LaunchLock allows the ultimate flexibility for satellite customers, and gives you the time to focus on the details of your satellite’s mission. Having a team that can handle all your satellite needs from design phase to last mile delivery is the best way to set yourself up for mission success. 

Ready to book? Click below.

Book My Launch

CEO Chad Brinkley Interview at Space Tech Expo Europe 640 480 SEOPS Space

CEO Chad Brinkley Interview at Space Tech Expo Europe

In November 2024, the SEOPS team attended Space Tech Expo in Bremen, Germany. SEOPS was proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this excellent event, and SEOPS forged stronger ties to our European partners. At this show, SEOPS had two major announcements. We announced a partnership with Axient Systems, bringing our experience in securing launch capacity, integration services, and deployment hardware to commercial and government organizations in Europe and beyond. We also announced we had signed a contract with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 mission destined for a geostationary transfer orbit in late 2028 from Florida.

In one highlight, CEO Chad Brinkley participated in an on-the-floor interview from the show organizers about trends and developments in the new space economy. We’re happy to share that interview below.

As SEOPS continues to be a leader in the space access industry, we’ll continue to share our insights and predictions on market trends.

Spotlight on SEOPS VP of Mission Management Carl Campbell 768 1024 SEOPS Space

Spotlight on SEOPS VP of Mission Management Carl Campbell

Carl Campbell began launching model rockets when he was 12 years old. This love of space began his trajectory on a distinguished career where he has facilitated the launch of more than 200 payloads across more than 100 missions. He’s now brought his passion and expertise to SEOPS as a  Mission Manager and integration expert. 

Campbell’s storied career includes a four year stint in the U.S. Air Force, and time at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing as a flight test engineer. In 2000, he transitioned to rocket integration, and in 2005 he moved to Cape Canaveral to work for ULA. As an expert on the electrical side of the payload integration, he handled payload interface and fairing electrical systems, overseeing the separation of the payloads and fairings from the Delta IV, Atlas V and Delta II rockets. He also trained and mentored the next generation of integration specialists. After 13 years at ULA, Campbell set out  to find  new rocket challenges, and found them at Rocket Lab, where he managed integration for the New Zealand launcher’s  first 20 missions. He also provided his experience and solved new integration challenges at ABL and Virgin Orbit before attempting to retire in 2022. 

Retirement ‘didn’t take’ according to Campbell, and his passion for rockets brought him back to the industry…and to SEOPS.

SEOPS’ mission and corporate culture were an immediate draw for Campbell, as mission management and integration are not separated by levels of administration or silos. “It was compelling to come work for a company that is ‘all hands on deck’ and moves fast,” says Campbell. “There’s no bureaucracy at all, we just all work together to solve problems and give the customers the best service possible.”

Campbell thrives on educating the customers on really understanding the intricacies of interfacing a payload with a launch vehicle. While customers are always the expert on their spacecraft, exactly how it will smoothly integrate with the vehicle is Campbell’s wheelhouse.

SEOPS is fortunate to have Campbell working on our missions and customer integrations. For Campbell, the most satisfying part of the job is when the satellite is deployed and on orbit. “But my favorite part of the job is being hands on with the customer, guiding them through that final last step before launch,” says Campbell. The passion that started at age 12 is still there, bringing our customers mission success.

If you’d like to access integration expertise  like Campbell’s at an early stage in your mission planning, consider our LaunchLock program. Securing a guaranteed launch up to three years in advance and getting early guidance from experts like Campbell will pave the way for a smoother integration and ensure a successful launch. 

SEOPS and Benchmark Partner to Streamline Orbital Logistics – from Launch Procurement to Last-mile Spacecraft Delivery  1024 768 SEOPS Space

SEOPS and Benchmark Partner to Streamline Orbital Logistics – from Launch Procurement to Last-mile Spacecraft Delivery

SEOPS and Benchmark Partner to Streamline Orbital Logistics – from Launch Procurement to Last-mile Spacecraft Delivery 

New Strategic Alliance Addresses Critical Gaps in the Launch Services Value Chain 

GIDDINGS, TX – April 8, 2025 – SEOPS, a leading provider of responsive launch and space mission services, today announced it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with Benchmark Space Systems. The partnership leverages SEOPS’ expertise in capacity procurement, payload integration and customized deployment solutions with Benchmark’s high-thrust propulsion technologies. As a result, the integrated solutions will empower customers to launch, maneuver and manage assets across a wide range of orbits, addressing the significant gaps in the logistics involved in getting spacecraft delivered precisely to the desired orbital destination. 

“The new space economy is moving quickly, causing silos to emerge between critical launch services. Organizations are forced to navigate a fragmented system of providers to get spacecraft to their final orbital destination which often slows the process and introduces unnecessary risk and cost,” said Chad Brinkley, chief executive officer of SEOPS. “This alliance with Benchmark removes those barriers, creating a seamless entry point for organizations to procure embedded launch logistics with last-mile delivery solutions, redefining how we think about individual spacecraft mobility.”

The collaboration leverages the combined expertise and assets of the companies to accelerate innovation, reduce time to market and optimize shared infrastructure. By aligning capabilities from Day One, the partnership delivers a unified source for end-to-end mission solutions, including launch capacity, integration services, to custom propulsion and kickstages. The integrated approach allows customers to concentrate on building satellites that meet their core mission objectives while removing the complexities of launch through last-mile orbital insertion and spacecraft maneuverability.

“This partnership marks an important step toward a more efficient, responsive and sustainable space ecosystem,” said Ryan McDevitt, chief executive officer of Benchmark. “We’re looking forward to working more closely with SEOPS to dramatically reduce the complexity of launch logistics for our customers and ultimately meet the rapidly evolving demands of the government and commercial space industry for tactically responsive space.”

Benchmark brings on-orbit heritage with Polaris, a bipropellant propulsion system that performed a 700 km orbital raise for a spacecraft vehicle on a SpaceX mission in 2022. The company is actively engaged in multiple government contracts advancing space logistics solutions. Among these efforts is RIPCORD (Resilient Independent Propulsive Controlled On-orbit Recovery Device), developed in partnership with Astroscale U.S. to address active debris remediation and orbital maneuvering. Benchmark’s Aquila kickstage integrates multiple propulsion technologies to enable long-distance orbit transfers for small spacecraft.

SEOPS collectively brings expertise from more than 400 satellite deployments, including for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA, as well as commercial organizations around the world. SEOPS has provided capacity, integration and mission management services for numerous rideshare launches, including many SpaceX Transporter and International Space Station cargo rendezvous missions. The company also signed a contract with SpaceX for a dedicated direct-to-GTO rideshare mission in 2028, as well as capacity on other missions headed to sun synchronous and mid-inclination orbits. 

About SEOPS

U.S.-owned and operated, SEOPS is a leading provider of integration and launch solutions for smallsats headed to LEO, cislunar, and beyond. The team brings years of experience and trusted relationships with launch vehicle providers, helping customers expertly execute mission campaigns for education, scientific advancement and national security needs, including tactically responsive rideshare launch. SEOPS’ comprehensive launch services, from capacity procurement to flexible deployment systems, orbital transfer vehicle solutions, mission design and integration services, ensure payloads get on orbit in the most seamless, cost-effective way possible. For more information or to book your next launch, visit seops.space.

About Benchmark Space Systems

Benchmark Space Systems is a leading provider of advanced in-space propulsion and logistics solutions. With a focus on high-performance propulsion technologies, including chemical, electric, and cold gas systems, Benchmark delivers scalable, cost-effective solutions that support a wide range of space missions. The company is dedicated to advancing space infrastructure and ensuring resilient, secure, and sustainable operations for tactically responsive space. Visit BenchmarkSpaceSystems.com for more information.

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SEOPS Media Contact:
Jodi Sorensen, on behalf of SEOPS 
jodi@littlecandlemarketing.com

Spotlight on SEOPS’ EVP of Program Development, Evan Hoyt 800 450 SEOPS Space

Spotlight on SEOPS’ EVP of Program Development, Evan Hoyt

Evan Hoyt, left

Evan Hoyt is SEOPS’ Executive Vice President of Program Development, and an expert in operating in the gray space between industry capability and government needs. This expertise comes from a deep history of military experience and a passion for supporting U.S. national security interests.

Hoyt is the first in his family to enlist in the military, inspired by the events of 9/11. He was moved to make a difference — and he certainly did. He served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan under the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, and the 4th Infantry Divisions as a U.S. Army Apache pilot and officer. During his first deployment, he supported the drawdown of conventional forces and the transition to a more targeted footprint led by special operations and precision-driven missions — marking a fundamental shift in how the war was fought. His second tour was a sharp contrast, characterized by a highly kinetic operational tempo, the reactivation of forward bases, and an expansion of aviation assets to meet renewed mission demands. In both tours, Hoyt worked closely with elite operational units and supported the coordination of mission-critical resources and aerial support in some of the most complex environments. His operational experience and leadership in these roles ultimately led to his selection for multiple roles as a personal staff member to multi-star General Officers within CENTCOM area of command, where he contributed to strategic planning and defense policy shaping efforts with global implications.

“As a warfighter, I could see that the things in my toolbox were not sufficient, so I set out to connect capabilities to needs,” says Hoyt. “I was proud to get the necessary intelligence and tools to those who needed it on the ground.”

After his distinguished military career in the Army, Evan continued serving U.S. government and Department of Defense missions by applying his operational and leadership experience to the private sector. 

He found a new passion in the space industry, as he started working with a satellite manufacturer.  He also saw a need he could fill: connecting private companies with capabilities that were needed by the U.S. government. 

“I love my role in the space industry because it strikes the same balance I loved about flying Apaches and leading troops. It’s both highly technical and also strategic,” says Hoyt. “You need the leadership and the strategic vision, but also who doesn’t love waking up and talking about space everyday!”  the technical skills to get the job done.” 

When Hoyt met the SEOPS team, he knew he had found a culture that was a great fit for him. His priorities aligned with SEOPS; they had the fire and motivation to do things differently for the sake of the customer and warfighter;willing to move fast and grow, and not do business as usual. The mission at SEOPS was to move mountains for the customer and to quickly solve challenges. “We’re always looking ahead of the curve and building what’s going to be needed tomorrow before its needed.. We’re solving tomorrow’s problems, and I love being part of that,” says Hoyt. 

Hoyt remains a vital connector between government mission requirements and commercial innovation. His ability to navigate both worlds—while consistently putting the customer and mission first—is a key reason SEOPS continues to earn the trust and repeat business of its clients.

Evan Hoyt, left

Hoyt will be at Space Symposium in April. If you’d like to talk to him and see what he and the SEOPS team can do to get your mission off the ground, drop a line at info@seops.space.

Transporter-13: Spotlight on Rideshare 2024-Blaze 800 450 SEOPS Space

Transporter-13: Spotlight on Rideshare 2024-Blaze

Transporter-13: Spotlight on Rideshare 2024-Blaze

T-13 Patch


Our teams have been busy with preparations for Transporter-13, our second SpaceX rideshare launch of the year. It’s slated to lift off on a Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. (This is our 7th Transporter mission and we have many more planned. Let us know if you want to get on board an upcoming one.)

Three payloads on our Transporter-13 manifest, OrCa2b, RapSat-1 and BMM, were part of the U.S. Space Force (USSF)’s Space Systems Command (SSC) contract which was awarded to SEOPS for the Rideshare 2024-Blaze mission. SEOPS was selected for this contract last year to provide comprehensive mission management, integration services as well as deployment systems.

Let’s learn a bit more about these payloads:

Orbital Calibration 2b (OrCa2b): The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has developed the Orbital Calibration 2b (OrCa2b) mission to improve space domain awareness. OrCa2b’s external panels have precise and well-characterized reflective properties that will permit various calibration activities from ground-based optical sensors, with the goal of improving the tracking and detection of resident space objects (RSOs). OrCa2b is a 12U CubeSat designed, fabricated, assembled, and tested almost entirely in-house using GT/GTRI facilities. It will be regularly observed using Georgia Tech’s Space Object Research Telescope (GT-SORT), with additional tracking support from the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS). A number of experiments can be conducted with these measurements, such as pose estimation, validation of RSO trajectory propagations with complementary ground-based laser ranging data, multi-spectral analysis, low-light detection algorithms, and validation of atmospheric scattering models.

Orbital Calibration 2b (OrCa2b)

RapSat-1: Rapid agile production of ThinSats (RAPSat) will deliver 4 ThinSat slot constellations to improve the rapid demonstration of space force subsystems to warfighter. The objective of the mission is to build and deliver a flight prototype platform for LEO rapid demonstration of ThinSats ready for orbit in a 6U launcher, and to show advanced manufacturing is achieved. The mission includes several cutting-edge power innovations. This mission is in partnership with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to include the Space Test Program, Space Command & Control, and Mission Manifest Office, and Small Business Lead NearSpace Launch, Inc.

RapSat-1

Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM): Hailing from Australia, the main objective of BMM is to collect high-frequency (HF) measurements in low Earth orbit to better understand radio-frequency propagation through the ionosphere. The CubeSat also has a laser communication capability from space to ground, as well as a satellite self-imaging camera system. In addition, experiments will be conducted to explore trusted autonomy. This mission is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program, Inovor Technologies Pty Ltd, Australian National University (National Space Test Facility, and Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility), University of South Australia, University of Sydney, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation.

BMM – Photo Credit National Space Test Facility, Australia

Congratulations to all the teams involved. Let’s go Transporter-13!

To watch the live broadcast of lift-off, follow SEOPS on LinkedIn. We’ll share more details on the exact time and date for launch when they become available.

Tapping partnership specialties, SEOPS, Maverick Space, and ISISPACE Ready 23 Spacecraft for Upcoming Transporter-13 Launch 800 450 SEOPS Space

Tapping partnership specialties, SEOPS, Maverick Space, and ISISPACE Ready 23 Spacecraft for Upcoming Transporter-13 Launch

Tapping partnership specialties, SEOPS, Maverick Space, and ISISPACE Ready 23 Spacecraft for Upcoming Transporter-13 Launch

Trio of leading launch services providers collaborate by leveraging expertise, hardware, infrastructure, and resources

HOUSTON, TX – March 4, 2025 – SEOPS, a leading provider of responsive launch and space mission services, together with Maverick Space Systems and Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE), announced today they have leveraged their unique areas of expertise to prepare 23 customer spacecraft from five countries launching as part of the upcoming Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The Transporter-13 mission is targeted to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket no earlier than March 2025 from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

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The companies sourced spacecraft for this mission from five countries. Notably, three of the spacecraft, Orbital Calibration 2b (OrCa2b), Buccaneer Main Mission (BMM), and Rapid Agile Production of ThinSats (RapSat-1), were secured in a launch contract by SEOPS for the Rideshare 2024-Blaze mission via a General Services Administration (GSA) Contract Schedule by the U.S. Space Force (USSF)’s Space Systems Command (SSC). ISISPACE secured 11 payloads including nine educational Cubesats. Maverick added seven payloads, featuring two 100kg class microsats and five 6U Cubesats for the U.S. Government and commercial customers.

For Transporter-13, the three companies worked together to integrate payloads into hardware deployment systems from both SEOPS and ISISPACE, leveraging Maverick’s state-of-the-art integration facilities in San Luis Obispo, California before shipping the spacecraft to Vandenberg Space Force Base location for final integration to the launch vehicle by the SEOPS team. 

“This is a genuine collaboration in every sense,” said Chad Brinkley, CEO of SEOPS. “Our collective commitment is to provide an outstanding mission experience to a wider range of clients. Our partnership on this mission showcases how that vision comes to life. In this fast-growing space market, we must think and act differently, bringing innovative ideas to the table for our customers, and we’re thrilled to offer organizations this distinctive blend of expertise and solutions.”

Earlier this year, the three launch services providers announced they were forming a partnership to better serve the growing market for launch needs, including collaborating on an upcoming GTO rideshare mission with SpaceX slated for 2028. 

About SEOPS

U.S.-owned and operated, SEOPS is a leading provider of integration and launch solutions for smallsats headed to LEO, cislunar, and beyond. The team brings years of experience and trusted relationships with launch vehicle providers, helping customers expertly execute mission campaigns for education, scientific advancement, and national security needs, including tactically responsive rideshare launch. SEOPS’ comprehensive launch services, from capacity procurement to flexible deployment systems, orbital transfer vehicle solutions, mission design and integration services, ensure payloads get on orbit in the most seamless, cost-effective way possible. The company collectively brings expertise from more than 400 satellite deployments, including for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and NRO. Additionally, SEOPS has managed 16 rideshare launches, including many SpaceX Transporter and International Space Station cargo rendezvous missions. For more information or to book your next launch, visit seops.space.

About Maverick Space Systems 

Maverick Space Systems provides customized, cost effective and responsive end-to-end launch integration solutions. Maverick’s key competencies include mission management, launch deployment hardware, and launch integration services for satellites. The team at Maverick combines industry experience with agility and efficiency to provide their customers with a turnkey service in getting their payloads to orbit. Maverick is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. For more information on Maverick’s launch hardware and service offerings, please visit maverickspace.com

About ISISPACE 

Located in Delft, The Netherlands, ISIS – Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE) is a leading company in the small satellite market. Founded in 2006, the company serves customers worldwide in accomplishing their space missions and applications. As a space infrastructure and services provider, ISISPACE designs and delivers small satellite solutions for single missions and constellations and offers state-of-the-art launch equipment and rideshare launch services. The ISILAUNCH department of ISISPACE has been responsible for many launch campaigns, bringing more than 700 customer satellites to orbit. For more information about ISISPACE, please contact us at sales@isispace.nl or visit the website at www.isispace.nl.

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SEOPS Media Contact:
Jodi Sorensen, on behalf of SEOPS 

Cell: 206-856-4202
jodi@littlecandlemarketing.com

Spotlight on Jeff Fitch 800 450 SEOPS Space

Spotlight on Jeff Fitch

Our teamwork sets SEOPS apart from other companies in the industry. We have unmatched experience and a work ethic that keeps our customers coming back. This might be best exemplified by Jeff Fitch, our VP of Integration and Operations. 

headshot - jf

Jeff joined our team in 2018, with decades of experience in the space industry. He began his career doing trajectory work on the Space Shuttle Program. He then trained Astronauts for 14 different Space Shuttle missions on Spacecrafts like INTELSAT, Hubble Space Telescope, and Tethered Satellite. He had experience as an operations planner for the International Space Station, including planning what the crew did during their time in space. Jeff was a Space Station Payload Integration Manager where he managed various pieces of hardware designed to the Earth and space. The consummate problem solver, Jeff has been faced with critical challenges, such as how to keep the Space Station manned during the Columbia accident, when rations and consumables could not be delivered for the standard on-orbit operations.

“Space is about proving you can do cool stuff. For me, the exciting part happens after the rocket launches, when you’re on-orbit. That’s what excites me,” says Jeff.

From there, Jeff moved on to being a professional project manager, utilizing his problem-solving experience to improve processes. As a safety engineer, he reconnected with Mike Johnson, co-founder of SEOPS, who brought him on board. In the early days, it was just Mike, CEO Chad Brinkley and Jeff.  They put their collective experience together to become a powerhouse team that built SEOPS into what it is today. Jeff continued to solve problems and break down barriers that other companies could not, working with NASA, SpaceX and other customers and communicating with everyone from administrators to engineers. 

“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to SEOPS like no one else. He has personally lived the space program from his Shuttle days through the explosion of the commercial space business,” says Mike Johnson, SEOPS co-founder and CTO. “It has been through his navigation and keen insight that SEOPS has made so many wins and avoided some great pitfalls.”

His skills at communication and passion for space also went outside work – he is a natural educator, whether it is industry professionals or children. He is passionate about passing his love of space and STEM to kids, and brought hands-on science to children through National Science Foundation grants and the Girl Scouts.  Jeff loved volunteering at Challenger Learning Center in his home town of Normal, Illinois where he could show students how to work together as a team, while learning about what it takes to go to space. This passion is something he hopes to continue in the future as he looks towards a well-deserved retirement. 

“Jeff has been a backbone of SEOPS since the beginning,” says Chad Brinkley. “It’s been a pleasure to work with him as we’ve built SEOPS into what it is today. He has left quite a legacy here.”

Jeff credits the rest of the team for creating an environment that has kept him doing what he loves for so long. “The people are what make your career what it is,” he says. “It’s great to have good teammates because when you can pull together and function better as a unit than you can as an individual, that’s incredible.”

Mike Johnson has some final thoughts for Jeff: “Couldn’t you just retire at SEOPS? We would include golf rounds! Seriously, please enjoy your future to the fullest my friend.”

We are grateful for all of Jeff’s hard work during his career, and wish him the best in retirement!

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