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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.

Introducing LaunchLock 800 450 SEOPS Space

Introducing LaunchLock

Secure Now, Launch Later: Introducing LaunchLock

At SEOPS, we are proud to be opening a new frontier in responsive space access. For nearly a decade, we have been a trusted partner of both U.S. government and commercial customers to achieve mission success. As part of our relentless drive to serve our customers, we are committed to eliminating challenges, not just working through them.

One challenge many organizations face is securing a launch opportunity when spacecraft designs are not completely solidified. To help address this challenge, we have developed a flexible way to secure a launch: LaunchLock.

Booking a launch when there are many unknowns

Many organizations wanting to launch spacecraft deal with uncertain timelines. Trying to gauge spacecraft readiness, funding milestones, radio licensing, and supply chain logistics combined with buying launch capacity can be cumbersome. These challenges can be difficult, especially for first time flyers and those with unique spacecraft missions. 

Typical launch contracts requiring operators to commit to a specific launch date in advance can be problematic and why it needs to be a launch window. Trying to align every milestone date sometimes feels like trying to get the planets to align and rebooking fees can start to pile up. 

More time, more flexibility, more assistance

LaunchLock provides maximum flexibility with minimum risk because it focuses on a launch window that can be refined as you mature in the mission. It is designed for those who need more time, providing a 3-year advance opportunity to secure a launch window. 

And possibly even more importantly for some, it provides early access and assistance from the SEOPS team to iron out requirements that may influence the spacecraft design.  Early access to the integration team also means avoiding many of the pitfalls that come late in the game, and require costly waivers from launch vehicles, or more expensive modifications to meet criteria unknown at the beginning. 

When you ‘lock in’ early, you can continue to prepare your spacecraft and obtain necessary licensing, funding, or other aspects core to the mission, while investors or customers have the reassurance that a launch has been secured to meet revenue targets or capability initiatives. As your launch window gets closer you will have the ability to narrow down a specific launch date.


Many organizations’ spacecraft missions are tied to longer term goals, and often lean ahead in the development of their spacecraft while anticipated subsystems and payloads are in various stages of flight qualification. This environment equates to an uncertain future regarding exact launch dates. LaunchLock lets organizations build flexibility into the complex planning process of launching a payload to the desired orbit, and is ideal for: .

  • Commercial Customers: Be confident that your launch is secured in the midst of uncertainty and ambiguity around development timelines, funding milestones and other moving targets. You’ll also lock in critical engineering knowledge and expertise earlier in the process, leading to a smoother ramp up to launch.
  • Defense and Government: LaunchLock works for defense and government launch planning. With minimal details required at the start, it allows program managers and leaders to responsibly execute taxpayer dollars and ensure launch capacity is covered in a way that doesn’t jeopardize mission execution timelines. 
  • Research and Education: Researchers frequently have funding constraints and are often forced to wait and address their launch needs very late in the process. LaunchLock permits institutions and organizations to secure launch capacity as one of the first steps without knowing all the details of time and logistics. This approach bolsters proposal efforts for grants and various opportunities.  

For those who have confidence in spacecraft readiness and know the launch vehicle and date they want to fly, SEOPS provides traditional Launch Service Agreements (LSAs). When signing the LSA about 12 months from the desired launch, a customer selects a specific vehicle and launch date. While efficient and streamlined, these contracts are less flexible, often having financial penalties and added operational consequences in the event rebooking is necessary for changes or delays.

Whether you need a traditional LSA or the added flexibility of LaunchLock, SEOPS is your trusted expert to get you where you need to go. SEOPS will continue to derive innovative and flexible solutions to serve our customers.

If you are interested in discussing which options are right for you, drop us a line at info@seops.space.

Customer Spotlight  800 450 SEOPS Space

Customer Spotlight

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT : C3S’ WREN-1

Monitoring Climate and Drought Impact on Crops

Ambitious Hungarian space company C3S LLC has designed and developed an innovative smallsat called the Water Resources in Efficient Networks (WREN-1). While small in physical stature, the 6U satellite’s mission is quite large: to serve as the first member of a constellation that will provide a prompt decision support system for climate adaptation, drought prevention, and yield forecasting.

The satellite features a high-performance camera system that captures multiple pictures of the planet, whereas the ground system incorporates a network of sensors. Both the images taken by WREN-1 and the local data provided by the sensors are fed to mathematical models based on geographical information and artificial intelligence to facilitate the purpose of the mission.

“SEOPS’ expertise, flexibility, and prompt service have played a pivotal role in the success of our satellite launch initiatives.” – Gyula Horváth, CEO at C3S

“WREN-1 is an on-orbit demonstration spacecraft designed to provide data from taking hyperspectral images, processing those images onboard, and then downlinking that data to compare it with sensors on the ground,” said Gergő Kiss, Chief Quality Officer at C3S LLC. “If the data matches, it will be extremely insightful for scientists, first in Hungary and hopefully with governments around the world. They’ll be able to assess the impact of climate change on crops, monitor drought, and use this data for more accurate forecasting.”

One Launch Goes Away, Another Surfaces (Quickly)

The 6U smallsat launched into space aboard the SpaceX Transporter-11 mission in August 2024. And while the launch was executed perfectly, the year leading up to it was anything but smooth for C3S. 

Months before the targeted launch date, C3S learned its original launch services provider could no longer fulfill the contract. The launch deal collapsed and they found themselves with a spacecraft over 10,000 kilometers away in California with no launch contract or integration team to ensure it was manifested on the Falcon 9. “Missing this summer launch window would have big implications for our mission,” said Kiss. “The later the launch slipped into fall or even winter, the fewer opportunities we’d have to take pictures from space due to weather changes, jeopardizing the mission’s core objectives.”

The C3S team quickly evaluated alternative launch options and began the process of securing a new contract, forming a partnership with France’s RIDE! to facilitate the effort. This collaboration allowed them to move forward effectively and ensure the continuity of the project.

“At RIDE!, our mission is to provide smallsat operators with the most reliable, convenient, and affordable access to space,” said Valentin Benoit, CEO at RIDE! “As a global leader in launch brokerage and end-to-end mission management, we streamline the process through our platform and exclusive partnerships with 35+ launch providers, including SEOPS. Whether it’s for a single cubesat or an entire constellation, our expertise helps clients save time, reduce costs, and meet all regulatory requirements.”

SEOPS has Entered the (Launch) Chat

RIDE! arranged to find C3S’s access in short notice onto Transporter-11 via SEOPS. “This underscores how our shared values of flexibility and customer dedication drive our success. It’s a perfect example of the long-term, impactful collaboration we’re building with SEOPS,” added Benoit.

Having years of experience facilitating SpaceX missions, the SEOPS team immediately stepped in to accommodate the WREN-1 spacecraft on its existing Transporter-11 manifest.

Gyula Horváth, CEO at C3S, commented, “The SEOPS team demonstrated remarkable flexibility and professionalism, especially considering the unusual circumstances and timing requirements for our mission. They were steadfast in their support, adapting seamlessly to meet our evolving needs. We’re thankful for their unwavering commitment to ensure WREN-1 gets on orbit on schedule.”

“What sets SEOPS apart is their deep launch experience,” added Kiss. “Their team knows what to do – from handling the technical aspects of deployment to the ever-critical regulatory issues like export control. Their calm demeanor and ability to guide us through the process step-by-step gave us the confidence we needed.”

Next up for C3S are two missions slated to launch on an upcoming Transporter mission, both of which are supported by SEOPS. One mission involves a 12U commercial satellite which will carry a telescope for scientific purposes. The second involves two individual 3U cubesats fastened together with a separation mechanism. Once on orbit, they’ll uncouple, fly independently, and test communications between spacecraft as well as run collision avoidance and deorbiting procedures.

Horváth added, “SEOPS’ expertise, flexibility, and prompt service have played a pivotal role in the success of our satellite launch initiatives.” 

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