Astraius Announces Key
Suppliers
Astraius, the UK-based,
horizontal launch company, has today announced two
key suppliers for its innovative launch solution.
Northrop Grumman has been selected as the first and
second stage motor supplier, and Exquadrum will
provide the upper-stage motor. With these
best-of-the-best industry leaders, Astraius is
on-track for first launch in Spring 2024. The
announcement received the support of the UK Space
Agency at the Farnborough International Air Show.
Northrop Grumman’s Orion
solid rocket motors will boost the Astraius launch
vehicle after its extraction from the unmodified
C-17 carrier aircraft. Completing the mission,
Exquadrum’s bespoke Astraius upper stage will
precisely place satellites in their intended orbits.
Sir George Zambellas,
Astraius Chairman, made today’s
announcement from the Space Scotland pavilion at the
Farnborough International Airshow;
“This is a hugely
exciting moment for Astraius. We have a winning
combination of proven launch and propulsion systems
paired with exquisite rocket motor technology to
produce a world-class capability. When coupled with
Prestwick Spaceport’s state-of-the-art launch
vehicle and payload integration facilities, Scotland
will be the UK’s leader for responsive space
launch.”
Kevin Seymour,
Astraius CEO, said;
“I am thrilled that Northrop Grumman will play
a major role in our program. Their long record of
flight success and clear enthusiasm for what we're
doing gives us absolute confidence we’ve made the
right decision. Northrop Grumman's motors are key
enablers for our industry-leading, low risk,
responsive, horizontal launch capability.”
Kevin Mahaffy,
Exquadrum CEO, said;
“Exquadrum is excited to be part of the
outstanding team that Astraius has put together to
bring their unique horizontal launch vehicle to the
market. Exquadrum’s controllable solid rocket motor
technology, with its throttlability and precise
termination ability, is an excellent fit for
Astraius’ upper stage application.”
Ian Annett, Deputy
Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency
said: "It is great to see these
exciting new collaborations and this major milestone
towards horizontal launch at Prestwick Spaceport
with Astraius. Scotland's space sector is booming
and this partnership demonstrates the growing launch
market, which will create jobs and opportunities
across the UK and attract international investment.”
Seymour
said further; “We are thrilled
to be partnering with Exquadrum for our upper stage.
Their innovative, tailorable technology is the
perfect match for Astraius. Our customers’ orbit
insertion needs are often very demanding, and
Exquadrum will ensure we meet or exceed every
requirement. Astraius couldn’t have asked for a
better launch partner.
With Northrop Grumman
and Exquadrum as our key propulsion suppliers,
Astraius now has a winning team ready to deliver an
industry-leading capability for our commercial and
government customers around the world.”