Astraius is a UK-based, horizontal launch company that aims to provide dependable and affordable satellite launch services. They utilize a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to launch rockets carrying small satellites into Low Earth Orbit from Prestwick Spaceport in Scotland. Astraius partners with companies like Northrop Grumman and Exquadrum for propulsion systems and Spirit AeroSystems for system components, with a goal to commence launches in 2024 or 2025. Key focus areas include climate change monitoring and disaster relief efforts, positioning Scotland as a key player in the global space market.
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Astraius Ltd.’s horizontal launch solution leverages the accessibility of C-17 transport aircraft to reduce reliance on individually modified aircraft and increase responsiveness.
Spirit AeroSystems and Astraius Ltd. are working to advance and accelerate the system components and key processes required for the Astraius horizontal launch platform.
Astraius’ horizontal launch solution is designed to leverage the accessibility of C-17 transport aircraft and to remove reliance on individually modified aircraft.
Astraius has partnered with Exquadrum to provide the upper-stage motor for its launch vehicle.
Prestwick Spaceport has partnered with two industry-leading rocket businesses to work with Astraius as the site prepares for a first launch in 2024.
Astraius plans to use Prestwick Spaceport’s launch vehicle and payload integration facilities.
Development of facilities at Prestwick to support Astraius launches is funded by an £80,000,000 regional economic development package (approximately $98,000,000).
Astraius was founded in 2019 and is developing an air-launch system that carries a rocket inside a C-17 cargo aircraft and deploys it through the rear doors using parachutes.
Prestwick Spaceport signed a memorandum of understanding with Astraius in September 2021 to accelerate Scotland’s space industry ambitions.
Prestwick Spaceport signed a memorandum of understanding with Astraius in September 2021 to accelerate Scotland’s space industry ambitions.
Prestwick Spaceport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Astraius to provide horizontal launch capability.
Prestwick Spaceport, represented by Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Astraius to prepare for orbital launch of small satellites from 2023.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Astraius to develop Prestwick Spaceport as a horizontal air-launch site.