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