- Satellite Evolution
Turion Space and Exolaunch announce launch agreement for DROID.001 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
US Company Turion Space, building spacecraft for space logistics services including space debris removal and space situational awareness data, has selected Exolaunch, a global provider of launch, deployment and integration services for small satellites, to provide launch services for their first DROID spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 Transporter rideshare mission.
The launch is planned for early 2023 using the Exolaunch's CarboNIX separation system that proved its reliable performance having deployed nearly 40 microsats over 9 missions yet.
“Exolaunch was recommended to us by several companies and it became apparent from day one why,” says Tyler Pierce, CFO at Turion Space. “They have been so easy to work with, have a very high-reliability system, and top-notch customer support at all levels.”
This is the first mission for Turion Space, named “Get it Up There” to serve as a demonstrator for a fleet of satellites designed, assembled, launched, and operated by Turion Space. This fleet is designed to provide on-demand and recurring inspection data of other space objects in low-earth orbit and host internal development experiments for future space logistic services including space debris removal.
“We're pleased to welcome Turion Space as a customer and support the launch of DROID.001 with Falcon 9,” says Kier Fortier, Launch Director at Exolaunch USA. “The choice of the launch partner is a matter of trust, especially for the premiere flight. Our teams are working closely to send DROID.001 to orbit early next year and we look forward to future missions with Turion Space.”