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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. 

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.

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.

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!

SEOPS Made Waves at Space Tech Expo Europe 800 450 SEOPS Space

SEOPS Made Waves at Space Tech Expo Europe

SEOPS Made Waves at Space Tech Expo Europe

As our team gets back to work after the holiday week, we’re reflecting on our week in Bremen at Space Tech Expo Europe. The SEOPS team was there in force, for a jam-packed few days as we solidified our importance in the EU space market. We were happy to be a Platinum sponsor of the event, and it was great to see our logo throughout the conference guide and on all the show attendees’ badges.

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We had two big announcements: 

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We received great press coverage of our news from SpaceNews and Payload.

From Payload: SEOPS Enters EU Market with Axient Systems Partnership

From SpaceNews: SEOPS buys Falcon 9 launch for GTO rideshare mission

A highlight was our well-attended Fireside Chat with Jeff Foust, senior writer at Space News, where they discussed the topics in the space industry that are getting media attention, and what the foreseeable trends are in that area. 

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CEO Chad Brinkley participated in an on-the-floor interview about trends and developments in the new space economy. 

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Behind the scenes, the team met with many of the key players and partners in the industry, as we continue our rapid scaling as the industry leader in launch services worldwide.

Many thanks to the Space Tech Expo team who helped coordinate our participation in the event: Gordon, Joanna, Margherita, and Phoebe. It was a pleasure to work with you!

There is one more big announcement coming out of Bremen. We signed an LOI with a disruptive, innovative US-based aerospace manufacturer with industry-leading automotive roots that will dramatically scale production of flight hardware to meet exponential growth in the new space economy. We can’t wait to share more in the near future!

See you next year, Bremen.

SEOPS Selects SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for Launch of a Dedicated Direct-to-GTO Rideshare Mission 800 450 SEOPS Space

SEOPS Selects SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for Launch of a Dedicated Direct-to-GTO Rideshare Mission

SEOPS Selects SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for Launch of a Dedicated Direct-to-GTO Rideshare Mission

Photo credit: SpaceX

Today, SEOPS announced it has signed a contract with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 mission destined for a geostationary transfer orbit in late 2028 from Florida. This is a direct response to the soaring rideshare demand for this orbit from SEOPS’s government and commercial customers. 

Additionally, SEOPS has secured rideshare capacity on upcoming missions with SpaceX through 2028. As demand continues to increase, SEOPS acknowledges that funding the capacity – today – is essential for customer success. 

“With the surge demand for access to cis-lunar space, we’re approaching a pivotal moment where prolific access to GTO is a must,” said Chad Brinkley, CEO of SEOPS. “The paradigm of rideshare has been evolving as fast as the space industry, but for SEOPS, it’s always been about providing reliable and consistent access to space – even if that means we have to proactively generate the options the market demands.” 

SEOPS is dedicated to providing the world with the launch options and destinations they expect. Contact our sales team to reserve your spot today: info@seops.space.

SEOPS Expands Launch Services in Europe via Partnership with Netherlands’ Axient Systems 800 450 SEOPS Space

SEOPS Expands Launch Services in Europe via Partnership with Netherlands’ Axient Systems

SEOPS Expands Launch Services in Europe via Partnership with Netherlands’ Axient Systems

SEOPS brings wealth of experience in securing launch capacity, integration services, and deployment hardware to commercial and government organizations in Europe and beyond

Houston, TX – November 19, 2024 – SEOPS, a leading provider of responsive launch and space mission services, announced today it has signed a partnership agreement with Axient Systems B.V.  This partnership will deliver a strategic capability in the mission lifecycle that helps enable a one-stop-shop for delivering any payload from mission concept to launch and on-orbit operations. First developed for U.S. space customers, the combined services will be applied to Axient Systems’ PAMI-1 project for the Netherlands Ministry of Defense, and subsequently other government and commercial organizations in the European market.

“We strive to be a fully integrated space mission services provider, leveraging the expertise of strategic partners, to provide world-class mission capabilities to Government and commercial customers in Europe,” said Jay Kovacs, Managing Director, Axient Systems B.V. “SEOPS’ services integrate seamlessly into ours, and as a team, they share the same customer-first commitment. We couldn’t be more pleased to bring the experience and efficiency benefits of this exciting partnership to the EU market.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Axient Systems will provide primary mission systems engineering services, while SEOPS will offer launch capacity, deployment hardware, testing and licensing support, vehicle integration, along with access to cleanroom and secure facilities if needed. In addition to its core capabilities, SEOPS also provides innovative launch programs such as LaunchLock, which provides clients maximum flexibility with minimum risk. With LaunchLock, satellite operators have a 3-year advance opportunity to secure a launch window, which can be narrowed and refined as spacecraft readiness advances. It also provides early access to the SEOPS integration team to iron out requirements that may influence the spacecraft design, saving expensive modifications down the road.

“We’re passionate about pushing the boundaries to make it easier for organizations to get to space,” said Chad Brinkley, CEO of SEOPS. “This partnership with Axient continues those efforts, offering customers everything they need to get on orbit – with teams who’ve ‘been there, done that.’ Leveraging years of success executing complex missions for the U.S. government, we’re excited to bring our capabilities and track record to a wider audience and open up a new frontier in Europe.”

Bringing nearly a decade of experience in payload integration, mission management, and deployment solutions, SEOPS also provides in-house designed and engineered flight hardware and an orbital transfer vehicle. The company recently partnered with Intuitive Machines to offer rideshare services on upcoming lunar missions, including to the surface of the Moon, geostationary transfer orbit, and Lagrange points. SEOPS collectively brings expertise from more than 400 satellite deployments, including for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and NRO. Additionally, the company has managed 16 rideshare launches, including many SpaceX Transporter and International Space Station cargo rendezvous missions.

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 Axient Systems
Axient Systems B.V., a Delft Netherlands based wholly owned subsidiary of Astrion, delivers innovative mission integration solutions for defense, civilian and commercial customers in space mission and systems, critical asset security, and advanced modeling and simulation including digital twinning.  We partner with our customers to address their most critical challenges and integrate innovative solutions that deliver robust capabilities, accelerating assured performance. To learn more about how Axient Systems can help meet your most critical challenges, visit www.axientcorp.com or email info@axientsystems.nl 

About Astrion
Astrion delivers the difference that empowers our customers and nation to take on what’s next. Astrion stands as a partner for progress, providing cutting-edge solutions and services that boost preparedness, optimize performance, and ensure mission success. Astrion embraces a forward-thinking spirit to tackle critical challenges across cybersecurity, digital solutions, mission support, science & engineering, and test & evaluation to support defense and civilian customers. For more information, please visit www.astrion.us.

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SEOPS Media Contact:
Jodi Sorensen, on behalf of SEOPS 

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

Space Tech Expo Toolkit and Resources 800 450 SEOPS Space

Space Tech Expo Toolkit and Resources

SpaceTech Expo Toolkit and Resources

Our team is excited to be headed to Bremen Germany for Space Tech Expo Europe. We’re looking forward to meeting face-to-face with our partners, customers, media and other players in the European space industry. We’ve got a lot of things planned and are looking forward to sharing updates on what SEOPS is doing.

Below are links to our Space Tech Expo Toolkit where you can get the latest info:

LATEST NEWS

SEOPS Selects SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for Launch of a Dedicated Direct-to-GTO Rideshare Mission

SEOPS Expands Launch Services in Europe via Partnership with Netherlands’ Axient Systems

SEOPS Guiding principles. Read what makes us tick, with this message from our CEO, Chad Brinkley.

Introducing LaunchLock! Learn more about our latest offering to bring maximum flexibility in securing a launch.

Customer profile — C3S from Budapest, Hungary: Read about we helped C3S secure a launch when their original plans fell through.

SPACE TECH EXPO EVENT

Join us for this fireside chat with Space News journalist Jeff Foust. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 14:50. Don’t miss it! Fireside chat: Space Topics Getting Press Attention.

Products and Services

Looking for more detailed information about our Products and Services? Check out the website pages, and download information sheets here:

  • Deployment Systems – ↓ PDF
  • Rideshare and Integration – ↓ PDF
  • LaunchLock – ↓ PDF
    Learn about our new Rideshare program that allows you to book a flexible window for Rideshare launches to all destinations, from LEO, GTO, to Lunar orbits.
  • OctoBus OTV – ↓ PDF

Top Questions to Ask a Launch Service Provider Before Booking Your Launch 800 450 SEOPS Space

Top Questions to Ask a Launch Service Provider Before Booking Your Launch

Top Questions to Ask a Launch Service Provider Before Booking Your Launch

  1. How much experience do you have?

It’s critical to investigate how many launches and how many spacecraft your launch provider has overseen. After nearly a decade of launching, we know how important it is to have institutional knowledge behind our customers’ missions. As no two missions are the same, every single one brings new challenges and thus new solutions. Our team has a combined total of more than 100 years of engineering expertise, and has solved every challenge that has come our way for USG, Commercial, universities, and international customers with varying requirements. We’re proud to have a 100% mission success rate. We’ve done more than 16 rideshare missions, including ISS rendezvous missions and deployed 53 satellites from SEOPS hardware. 

  1. How flexible are you with launch dates? 

If you book a launch with a provider and circumstances change, whether in vehicle readiness or funding milestones, it can bring your mission to a standstill. Rebooking fees and limited launch options can follow. Ask your launch provider if they are able to build flexibility into your launch plan, and allow for moving launch windows without excessive fees or troubles. The need for flexibility is what inspired us to offer the LaunchLock program. To find out more about our LaunchLock program, read more here.

  1. What’s included in the price? 

It’s difficult to compare apples to apples with launch service providers especially when it comes to evaluating costs. Getting to the bottom line cost can sometimes be a chore. Lowball launch estimates usually hide costs and fees that will be tacked on later. At SEOPS, we don’t believe in nickel and diming our customers and surprising them with hidden costs. We provide end-to-end services from early mission design and launch window / vehicle selection to day-to-day mission management, licensing, security, launch and early operations. If you book with us, we’re with you every step of the way, and we won’t spring on additional charges later. 

  1. How early in the process does your integration team get involved?

The adage “measure twice, cut once” is applicable to launching a spacecraft. Solid early work saves time and money later. Having early access to an integration team can help with design choices and deployer selections that will save costs later on, such as applying for expensive waivers or doing additional testing – or even making custom adapters that wouldn’t be necessary with proper upfront planning. We are a true partner in our customers’ missions right from the beginning and we will eliminate obstacles to launch for them, not just help them navigate them. By signing up for our LaunchLock program, you’ll have early access to our engineering team, up to 3 years before launch, and can help solve issues in the design phase before they cause expensive mitigation costs later.

  1. Are there mandates to use specific separation systems?

Many launch providers are wedded to their own choice of separation system and will require that your spacecraft work with their hardware. This can be problematic for certain spacecraft designs and often costs additional money to make it work. Part of our commitment to flexibility is being agnostic to the deployer and separation system. We will help you pick the right hardware for your needs, not ours. 

  1. How do you help international clients navigate U.S. launch and regulatory requirements?

SEOPS’s commitment goes beyond business; we build strong, trust-based partnerships with each client. For international customers, this means offering dedicated, relationship-focused service that prioritizes their mission’s success. We proactively provide updates on U.S. regulations and launch provider requirements, ensuring that clients receive personalized, consistent guidance throughout their journey. This approach stems from our belief in partnership and genuine commitment, treating each client as an integral part of the SEOPS family to navigate challenges and ensure a seamless path to launch.

These are just a few of the questions customers should ask when choosing a launch services provider as they play a critical part in your mission’s success. We’re looking forward to answering these questions, and any others you might have. Simply send us an email at info@seops.space and let’s get the conversation started.

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