“From 2027, we will produce 50 rockets per year, because we expect to launch as many rockets each year. » At 23, Stanislas Maximin resolutely displays his ambitions. This space enthusiast created Venture Orbital Systems, a start-up based in Reims three years ago, offering launch services for nanosatellites. These objects the size of a shoebox weighing less than 50 kilos were initially tested by laboratories or universities. As miniaturization helps, their power increases and costs fall, they have become essential for telecommunications, defence, finance, agriculture or transport. In the space of ten years, from 2017 to 2026, the value of this microsatellite and nanosatellite market should increase fivefold, to reach 6 billion dollars (5.28 billion euros), according to Polaris Market Research.
Hence the idea of offering a whole range of services. Starting with a microlauncher to place these satellites in their position in low orbit, 600 kilometers from the Earth. It will be Zéphyr, 15 meters high, weighing less than 2 tonnes, able to carry up to 70 kilos of load, i.e. two to three satellites. The first test is planned for 2024, from the space base in Saxavord, Scotland. Commercial flights will begin the following year. “Today, to send a 20-kilogram satellite into space, it takes a year and a half, between the signing of the contract and the launch. With Zéphyr, it will be six months”, announces the founder of the start-up. In addition, the cost will be two to three times cheaper than the industry leader, the American Rocket Lab, at $35,000 per kilo, with the aim of bringing it down to $25,000.
A “plethoric” offer
But the company is entering a highly coveted market. “The offer of microlaunchers is plethoric, no less than a dozen projects in Europe, as many in the United States, and those that already exist, such as the American Rocket Lab, Astra Space or Virgin Orbital, do not earn money. »warns Maxime Puteaux, consultant at Euroconsult. “There are niche needs, but I don’t think demand can absorb supply. »
This does not discourage the young leader, who plans to launch a week. “From 2028, more than 1,000 satellites will be sent into space each year. With our 50 shots, we will have around 15% of the market. » Its objective is to join the top 3 manufacturers of microlaunchers in Europe, made up of the Germans Isar, RFA and the British Orbex.
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