Generation Orbit Partners with Space Propulsion Group to Provide Dedicated Small Satellite Launch Service
ATLANTA, December 21, 2012 – Generation Orbit Launch Services, Inc. (GO) has entered into a strategic partnership with Sunnyvale, CA-based Space Propulsion Group, Inc. (SPG) to continue the development of its dedicated small satellite launch system, known as GOLauncher. Together, GO and SPG look to develop new launch systems capable of offering suborbital and orbital space transportation services to commercial, government, and academic customers. With small satellite developers targeting applications from remote sensing to communications to biological experimentation, the availability of an affordable, dedicated small launch vehicle will improve the utility and expand the effectiveness of micro and nano satellites.
In the past decade, SPG has perfected the design, development, and manufacturing of paraffin-fueled hybrid rockets. This experience recently culminated in ground testing of a sixth 22-inch diameter, flight weight LOX/paraffin motor in July of 2012. Continued successful ground testing will pave the way to air launch flight testing aboard GO’s air launch platform.
GO’s COO A.J. Piplica commented on the outlook for the partnership. “Over the past year, GO and SPG have been developing a working relationship to bring a dedicated launch capability to the micro and nano satellite community. With that relationship now formalized, our synergistic development plans are starting to take shape and advance this novel, but near term air launch space transportation system.”
Further echoing the long-term synergies of the collaboration, SPG President and CTO Arif Karabeyoglu remarked that “SPG’s advanced hybrid rockets deliver very high performance while retaining the affordability, safety and simplicity vital to the next generation of small launch vehicles. Combined with Generation Orbit’s innovative approach to air launch, advanced hybrids are a perfect fit for developing a cost effective and responsive launch capability for small satellites.”
About Generation Orbit Launch Services, Inc.
Atlanta-based Generation Orbit Launch Services, Inc. (GO) focuses on providing fast, flexible, and dedicated space transportation services for small payloads. The distinct service lines of GOLauncher1 and GOLauncher2 supply suborbital and orbital customers with reliable access to space. The unique air launch approach developed by GO and its development partners offers flexible launch capabilities, poised to reduce fixed infrastructure needs, launch costs, and the time from contract signature to launch. Air launch system experience at GO dates back over 10 years, providing a distinct advantage throughout the design and analysis process. As a systems integrator, GO compiles multiple aspects of the launch architecture to provide a streamlined service to scientists, researchers, and industry customers alike.
For more information, visit GO at GOLauncher.com.
Mr. A.J. Piplica
Chief Operating Officer
Generation Orbit Launch Services, Inc.
1040 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 950
Atlanta, GA 30338 USA
Telephone: 1+770.379.8014 (Direct)
Email: aj.piplica@generationorbit.com
About Space Propulsion Group, Inc.
SPG aims to be a global market leader and trusted partner offering world-class, reliable and innovative solutions in hybrid propulsion. The company’s game-changing technologies reduce cost, lower environmental impact and increase safety of propulsion and power generation systems by replacing dangerous, toxic materials with safer, more abundant alternatives. These systems have dynamic, practical applications for terrestrial and space systems used in the transportation, defense, suborbital research and tourism, and power generation industries. Founded in 1999, the company is based in Sunnyvale, California.
For more information, visit SPG at www.spg-corp.com.
Dr. Arif Karabeyoglu
President and Chief Technical Officer
Space Propulsion Group, Inc.
760 San Aleso Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
Telephone: 1+408.541.1481 (Direct)
Email: arif@spg-corp.com
