Vector Launch (formerly Vector Space Systems)

[Lars-J]

So the AF replaced Vector with something even more vaporware? Hah!

[jstrotha0975]

Would it be possible to modify the Vector R rocket for air launch from a Scaled Composites Whiteknighttwo aircraft, or am I beating a dead horse?

[jamesh9000]

That would make the rocket even heavier than it already was, and it wasn't able to get to orbit even then.

[jstrotha0975]

That would make the rocket even heavier than it already was, and it wasn't able to get to orbit even then.

But the aircraft carrying is before launch would hopefully make up for it?

[Falcon H]

That would make the rocket even heavier than it already was, and it wasn't able to get to orbit even then.

I was unaware that they were having weight problems....I guess that explains a lot.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Vector files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
by Jeff Foust — December 13, 2019

WASHINGTON — Small launch vehicle company Vector filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Dec. 13 as part of an agreement that could see some of its satellite technology assets sold to Lockheed Martin.

https://spacenews.com/vector-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/

[Craftyatom]

Vector files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
by Jeff Foust — December 13, 2019

WASHINGTON — Small launch vehicle company Vector filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Dec. 13 as part of an agreement that could see some of its satellite technology assets sold to Lockheed Martin.

https://spacenews.com/vector-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/

Well, I'd imagine Lockheed's lawyers are pretty happy about that, given what the article says about software-defined satellites and legal dealings.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1206607141215391745

Lockheed Martin plans to buy bankrupt Vector Launch's satellite unit Galactic Sky for $4.25 million, while giving it a $2.5 million loan to continue to operate.
reuters.com/article/us-vec…

[Tomness]

https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1206607141215391745

Lockheed Martin plans to buy bankrupt Vector Launch's satellite unit Galactic Sky for $4.25 million, while giving it a $2.5 million loan to continue to operate.
reuters.com/article/us-vec…

That's got be the most m(afia) math I have ever seen. I'll give you 4.25 mil & give you 2.5 mil loan at 130% interest  Couple million isn't going make this company. They need a couple of billion and a business case. They must have frakked LM off when they sued over the Small Sat business. Well they own it now lol.

[Davidthefat]

Former Vector CEO on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/1204053340876759040

'Strategy doesn’t fail in formulation, in those splendid retreats, with three-ring binders and electronic files filled with good intentions and “vision.” It fails in implementation, in the trenches, when people don’t have the skills or the attitudes to perform' Alan Weiss

[Lars-J]

I can only hope he includes himself in that group of people that might not "have the skills or the attitudes to perform".  The entire operation was suspect from the start (see ringsiders post ), and Cantrell "writing checks with his PR that the company could not cash" (over and over) did not help. I'm sure good technical work was done, but I have the feeling in was happening in spite of Cantrell, not because of his presence.

[gmbnz]

'Strategy doesn’t fail in formulation, in those splendid retreats, with three-ring binders and electronic files filled with good intentions and “vision.” It fails in implementation, in the trenches, when people don’t have the skills or the attitudes to perform' Alan Weiss

  That seems like a very efficient way to burn bridges with an entire industry... I doubt that's fair on most of the staff who probably worked extremely hard and did some solid engineering.

Although I'll admit I can't tell if that quote is supposed to be ironic or not? But ff Cantrell truly believes that then I'll have to disagree with him and Alan Weiss and say that if the strategy formulation ignores the reality of the trench then it is doomed from the start.

[ringsider]

I can only hope he includes himself in that group of people that might not "have the skills or the attitudes to perform".  The entire operation was suspect from the start (see ringsiders post ), and Cantrell "writing checks with his PR that the company could not cash" (over and over) did not help. I'm sure good technical work was done, but I have the feeling in was happening in spite of Cantrell, not because of his presence.

"First orbital launch mid 2018 !"

"I'm not asking you to believe me, I'm asking you to watch me."

https://twitter.com/vectorlaunch/status/931608328131588096?s=19

[QuantumG]

 

[Lar]

I can only hope he includes himself in that group of people that might not "have the skills or the attitudes to perform".  The entire operation was suspect from the start (see ringsiders post ), and Cantrell "writing checks with his PR that the company could not cash" (over and over) did not help. I'm sure good technical work was done, but I have the feeling in was happening in spite of Cantrell, not because of his presence.

"First orbital launch mid 2018 !"

"I'm not asking you to believe me, I'm asking you to watch me."

https://twitter.com/vectorlaunch/status/931608328131588096?s=19

You might want to screencap that one, it looks like the sort of tweet that has a bad shelf life and might get deleted...

[woods170]

I can only hope he includes himself in that group of people that might not "have the skills or the attitudes to perform".  The entire operation was suspect from the start (see ringsiders post ), and Cantrell "writing checks with his PR that the company could not cash" (over and over) did not help. I'm sure good technical work was done, but I have the feeling in was happening in spite of Cantrell, not because of his presence.

"First orbital launch mid 2018 !"

"I'm not asking you to believe me, I'm asking you to watch me."

https://twitter.com/vectorlaunch/status/931608328131588096?s=19

You might want to screencap that one, it looks like the sort of tweet that has a bad shelf life and might get deleted...

Done.

[gmbnz]

"First orbital launch mid 2018 !"

"I'm not asking you to believe me, I'm asking you to watch me."

https://twitter.com/vectorlaunch/status/931608328131588096?s=19

You might want to screencap that one, it looks like the sort of tweet that has a bad shelf life and might get deleted...

Done.

To be fair they're not the only ones...

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/964214407306928128

And

NASA’s payload is scheduled to fly on Electron’s fifth flight between late 2016 and early 2017.

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-wins-6-95m-nasa-launch-contract/

About the only ones who haven't blasted through a dozen deadlines is Astra, and that's because they've never publicly set any!
(and Relativity who have until the end of next year before they miss this deadline: https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/04/relativity-space-announces-first-launch-contract-and-its-a-big-one)

[Lar]

In this biz everyone misses deadlines. ... But not everyone cockily says "watch us do this" and then misses the deadline anyway.

[whitelancer64]

I think the quote in my signature fits well here.... "There are lies, damned lies, and launch schedules."

[Ragmar]

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2019/12/30/vector-launch-attorney-alleges-former-ceo.html?ana=e_phx_bn_editorschoice

It looks like Vector is currently in several lawsuits, one of which is led by Jim Cantrell (Case # C20194675).

All of these are underway at the Pima County Superior Court.  However, the materials, such as the complaints, response, and exhibits are not available online, but are available at the courthouse.

I'm not sure how these documents work, but they would be interesting to see, if anyone knows how to get access (anyone here in Tuscon?).