SpaceX is poised to launch 114 payloads to orbit on a Falcon 9 tomorrow morning, the sixth mission of its smallsat rideshare program. However whereas the rocket firm is now an previous hand at launches – SpaceX simply accomplished a report yr with 61 launches in 2022 alone – for a handful of area startups, Transporter-6 marks a milestone.
These startups embody Launcher, which is conducting its first area tug mission; an inaugural in-orbit tech demonstration from Magdrive; and Epic Aerospace, which can also be launching an area tug for the primary time.
Launcher CEO Max Haot informed TechCrunch that the corporate realized that there was a giant market alternative to develop an area tug after SpaceX debuted its rideshare program, which dramatically lowered the price of launch. Launcher’s tug, referred to as Orbiter, will deploy or host payload for 10 separate prospects. The corporate can also be creating a small launch automobile; Orbiter can be its third stage.
Area tugs are filling a market section for patrons that want a particular orbit however need to pay lower than the price of a devoted rocket launch, Haot stated.
“There’s all the time a necessity ultimately for a devoted rocket should you want a particular orbit at a better value, and ultimately we’ll compete there, however the area tug actually helps make these rideshare flights extra helpful since you possibly can attain greater than only one orbit,” he stated.
Launcher isn’t the one firm that has its eye on the rising area tug market. Epic Aerospace, which payments itself as an area transportation community firm, may also be launching a tug on Transporter-6 for the primary time. Area providers firms Momentus, D-Orbit and Exolaunch may also be deploying or internet hosting satellites for patrons on this mission.
It could appear to be the area tug market is already crowded with gamers, however Haot stated the final word winners are removed from determined.

Picture Credit: Launcher/John Kraus / Flickr (opens in a brand new window)
“If you happen to take a look at the press reporting, it appears like loads of firms are constructing area tugs. However should you take a look at the shoppers, that is very new and nobody has but actually demonstrated a giant switch functionality that’s helpful to satellite tv for pc firms,” he stated.
Magdrive, a UK-based startup creating a high-thrust spacecraft propulsion engine, may also be going to area for the primary time for an in-orbit expertise demonstration. The prototype propulsion system will attract energy from onboard photo voltaic panels, retailer it, and discharge it at various energy ranges.
“The mission lasts 12 months, however we’ll be aiming to strive as many cost and discharge choices as quickly as potential so we get as a lot information as we will,” Magdrive CEO Mark Stokes informed TechCrunch.
Transporter-6 is about to take-off at 9:56 AM EST from Cape Canaveral Area Power Station. It is going to be the fifteenth flight of the Falcon 9 booster dubbed B1060. Transporter-6 may also carry satellites for Planet Labs and Spire International, in addition to different payloads for scientific, analysis and business prospects.
The launch can be streamed dwell on SpaceX’s web site.