Which is why Rocket Lab is also supplying the Curie and Photon. Which gives them an edge if this market section is too limited for SpaceX to go after. But it would likely be offered en masse on StarShip as well when the time comes.This 'moats don't work, only the rate of innovation' thing is amazing. As long as enough competitors survive to be at each others' throats, that is.
I don't know if RL can beat SpaceX, but they can push the price low enough that it won't be worth SpaceX's time and effort to compete.
He says that, but I think a reusable Electron could actually knock on SpaceX's door for cost to launch these small birds. Particularly if they figure out reusable upper stage (think HIAD) down the road.
Quote from: meekGee on 08/10/2019 12:55 amI don't know if RL can beat SpaceX, but they can push the price low enough that it won't be worth SpaceX's time and effort to compete.I thought so too until I saw that Rocketlab just increased their price to $7.5 million.I personally think there's room for both. Rocketlab has earned their place, IMHO, by executing very well.
Vigoride Satellites with masses up to 250 kg can be moved from ISS orbit all the way up to 2,000 km on Vigoride. Vigoride can be launched from an ESPA or ESPA Grande ring, from ISS airlocks, or from almost any small dedicated launcher or larger rideshare vehicle. Wet Mass (without Payload): 80 kg Maximum Payload Mass: 250 kg Total Impulse: >100,000 N-s Maximum ΔV: >1 km/s for 50 kg payload
Vigoride™ExtendedTransporting satellites with masses up to 300 kg from LEO to GTO, or up to 100 kg directly from LEO to GEO, Lunar orbit, and beyond is possible on a Vigoride Extended. Vigoride Extended can be launched from an ESPA Grande ring or from almost any small dedicated launcher or larger rideshare vehicle. Wet Mass (without Payload): 450 kg Maximum Payload Mass: 300 kg Total Impulse: >1,500,000 N-s Maximum ΔV: >5 km/s for 100 kg payload
Ardoride™Deliver up to 4 tons of payload from GTO to GEO or up to 500 kg directly from LEO to GEO and beyond on a mighty Ardoride. Ardoride can also change orbit inclinations by 45 degrees. Wet Mass (without Payload): 1800 kg Maximum Payload Mass: 4000 kg Total Impulse: >7,500,000 N-s Maximum ΔV: >5 km/s for 500 kg payload
Wondering if their water propulsion is an outgrowth of DSI tech?
Momentus Space was founded by space entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich and his partner Lev Khasis in Santa Clara in 2017. Momentus was originally born out of discussions with satellite operators seeking more affordable space transportation. Momentus is developing in-space propulsion systems powered by microwave electro-thermal (MET) water plasma engines. Momentus Space is the first in-space transportation services company built around high performance water plasma rocket propulsion. Momentus’ water plasma propulsions systems use water which is cheap, non-toxic, and considered safe, and easy to work with. Water based propulsion could provide a path to breaking the ties of space industries to the Earth by allowing resupply from asteroids.
Quote from: Lar on 08/22/2019 06:58 pmWondering if their water propulsion is an outgrowth of DSI tech?QuoteMomentus Space was founded by space entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich and his partner Lev Khasis in Santa Clara in 2017. Momentus was originally born out of discussions with satellite operators seeking more affordable space transportation. Momentus is developing in-space propulsion systems powered by microwave electro-thermal (MET) water plasma engines. Momentus Space is the first in-space transportation services company built around high performance water plasma rocket propulsion. Momentus’ water plasma propulsions systems use water which is cheap, non-toxic, and considered safe, and easy to work with. Water based propulsion could provide a path to breaking the ties of space industries to the Earth by allowing resupply from asteroids.Look like is her own technologie and her own vision...https://golden.com/wiki/Momentus_Space
Quote from: Tywin on 08/23/2019 04:58 amQuote from: Lar on 08/22/2019 06:58 pmWondering if their water propulsion is an outgrowth of DSI tech?QuoteMomentus Space was founded by space entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich and his partner Lev Khasis in Santa Clara in 2017. Momentus was originally born out of discussions with satellite operators seeking more affordable space transportation. Momentus is developing in-space propulsion systems powered by microwave electro-thermal (MET) water plasma engines. Momentus Space is the first in-space transportation services company built around high performance water plasma rocket propulsion. Momentus’ water plasma propulsions systems use water which is cheap, non-toxic, and considered safe, and easy to work with. Water based propulsion could provide a path to breaking the ties of space industries to the Earth by allowing resupply from asteroids.Look like is her own technologie and her own vision...https://golden.com/wiki/Momentus_SpaceDSI were bought by Bradford, they are pushing DSI Comet water thruster which has lot lower ISP of around 170. Momentus aren't selling their thruster, more money in selling OTVs than thrusters.
Update from @SpaceX on its recently announced Smallsat Rideshare program:3 annual missions now, up from 1 per year, after feedback from customers.
SpaceX's Starlink missions will also provide monthly launch opportunities starting in 2020.
