According to a survey published in 2018, 34 small launchers are in development, but only a few start flying.
- Virgin Orbit is working on the first flight of her rocket, known as LauncherOne. The rocket is designed to take off from under the wing of a Boeing 747, propelling small satellites into orbit thousands of feet above the Earth. This "mobile launch platform" allows for greater flexibility in planning.
- The Rocket Lab Electron rocket has been launched five times, sending 25 satellites into space for government and private customers, making it a serious competitor.
- Other small launchers such as Firefly Aerospace, Vector and Stratolaunch are also in various stages of development and testing.
But, but, but: Throwing small satellites with a small rocket may not be the best and cheapest way to put them into orbit.
- If a company does not need its satellite in orbit on a specific schedule, it could save money waiting to get behind the wheel, says analyst Carissa Christensen, CEO of Bryce Space and Technology.
"There will be many small satellites, but many will not need to take a taxi," Christensen told Axios. "Many can take the bus."
- Even with the potential of huge satellite constellations emitting on the Internet from SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb and others, small launchers may not have enough activity to maintain them, creating a bubble. of security.
- Nevertheless, some customers, such as governments, may be willing to pay extra to ensure that their goods reach the space within the allotted time and in a shorter period of time.
The bottom line: The small pitchers industry may soon be in a state of upheaval, with only a few small launchers left, while others retreat or merge.
