Article updated on 09/27/2024 at 11:50 a.m.
Nearly 30 months after its establishment, MaiaSpace has achieved a significant milestone for its economic model. The ArianeGroup subsidiary, currently in startup mode, was selected by CNES following a call for applications to operate its reusable Maia launcher from the former Soyuz launch pad (ELS) at the Guiana Space Center (CSG). Soyuz launches from Kourou were suspended after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, following the swift departure of Russian forces from Guyana. In total, six launch operators expressed interest in this launch pad, which was transferred by the European Space Agency (ESA) to CNES after the ministerial summit in Seville in November 2023.
For MaiaSpace, this was one of its clearly stated priority objectives, although the company was also exploring launch bases in Europe, considering options like Kiruna or Andoya as a backup plan. Launching from Guyana presents considerable advantages for operators, particularly for satellite constellations in inclined orbits. MaiaSpace plans to start adapting the launch pad to its specifications by investing over tens of millions of euros.
“The former Soyuz launch pad in Guyana (ELS) will serve as the primary launch area for MaiaSpace’s reusable launcher,” the company stated in a press release issued on Thursday.
More than 1.5 tonnes in low Earth orbit
Why did MaiaSpace succeed in this call for applications? According to our sources, the ArianeGroup subsidiary was considered the strongest contender in terms of technical capability, schedule, and organization. Furthermore, MaiaSpace was the only launch pad operator to account for the coexistence with a second launcher on the site. The performance of Maia aligns perfectly with the selection criteria set forth by the CNES call for applications, which included, among other requirements, the ability to deploy at least 1.5 tonnes of payloads into low Earth orbit by 2027. Lastly, the MaiaSpace project was regarded as credible from an economic and financial perspective.
“We aim to achieve profitability before reaching our optimal operational capacity. By the end of the decade, we expect to generate positive cash flow and achieve cumulative positive cash flow around the beginning of the 2030s. It takes several years to recover the initial investment and start making profits,” explained MaiaSpace’s executive president, Yohann Leroy, in an interview with La Tribune in June 2023.
In this context, Maia, a light launcher, could have a significantly higher payload capacity than 1.5 tonnes in a polar orbit (compared to 500 kilograms when MaiaSpace recovers the first stage), when operating in a non-reusable configuration. This greatly enhances the resilience of the “business model” for the manufacturer of this launcher. MaiaSpace’s timeline also satisfies CNES’s deadline requirements, with plans to conduct its first orbital launch by the end of 2025, followed by the commencement of commercial operations in 2026.
Article updated on 09/27/2024 at 11:50 a.m.
Nearly 30 months after its creation, MaiaSpace has just passed a crucial milestone for its economic model. The ArianeGroup subsidiary, in startup mode, was selected by CNES following a call for applications to operate its reusable Maia launcher from the former Soyuz launch pad (ELS) located at the Guiana Space Center (CSG). Soyuz launches from Kourou were halted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 following the very sudden departure of the Russians from Guyana. In total, six launch operators expressed interest in this launch pad, which was handed over by the European Space Agency (ESA) to CNES after the ministerial summit in Seville in November 2023.
For MaiaSpace, this was one of its clearly stated priority objectives even if the company was discussing launch bases in Europe with a few others, such as Kiruna or Andoya, as part of a plan B. Significant advantages exist for operators launching in Guyana, particularly for inclined orbit satellite constellations. MaiaSpace will begin adapting the launch pad to its needs by investing more than tens of millions of euros.
“The former Soyuz launch pad in Guyana (ELS) becomes the reference launch area for MaiaSpace’s reusable launcher,” the company explained in a press release published Thursday.
More than 1.5 Tonnes in Low Earth Orbit
Why did MaiaSpace win this call for applications? According to our information, the ArianeGroup subsidiary was judged to be the strongest in technical, calendar, and organizational terms. MaiaSpace was the only launch pad operator that accounted for coexistence with a second launcher on the site. The Maia’s performance aligns perfectly with CNES’s criteria, which included the capacity to deploy at least 1.5 tonnes of payloads in low Earth orbit by 2027. Moreover, the economic and financial credibility of the MaiaSpace project added to its appeal.
“We hope to reach profitability before reaching cruising speed. Before the end of the decade, we will be in positive cash flow and positive cumulative cash flow around the end of the decade or at the beginning of the 2030 decade. It takes several years to recover the initial investment and to start earning money,” explained the executive president of MaiaSpace, Yohann Leroy, in an interview with La Tribune in June 2023.
Technical Specifications of the Maia Launcher
The Maia launcher is designed to fulfill multiple roles within the commercial space launch sector. Below are some key specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity (Reusable) | Up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbit |
| Payload Capacity (Non-Reusable) | Greater than 1.5 tonnes to Polar Orbit |
| Launch Cost | Competitive pricing compared to industry standards |
| First Launch | Scheduled for late 2025 |
Enhanced Business Model Resilience
The Maia’s payload capacity, particularly in a non-reusable configuration, is a game-changer in the space launch market. This potentially higher capacity will increase the resilience of MaiaSpace’s business model, allowing for diversified revenue streams through various payload offerings.
Strategic Advantages of Launching from Guiana
Choosing the Guiana Space Center as a primary launch location has numerous advantages:
- Geographic Location: Proximity to the equator provides a natural boost to launch performance.
- Safety: Launching over water minimizes risks associated with rocket launches.
- Infrastructure: Established facilities and support systems for rapid deployment and launch sequence operations.
- Regulatory Support: CNES provides a streamlined regulatory environment for launch operations.
Future Prospects for MaiaSpace
With its successful bid for the Soyuz launch pad, MaiaSpace is poised to revolutionize the commercial space launch industry. Their projected timeline sets ambitious milestones for initial operations, aiming to begin commercial launches as early as 2026. The firm’s commitment to innovation and operating efficiencies will likely attract interest from satellite operators across various sectors, including communications, Earth observation, and scientific research.
Case Studies: Market Trends In Launch Services
As the demand for satellite deployments increases, several trends emerge in the commercial launch services market:
- Small Satellite Boom: The proliferation of small satellites drives demand for responsive and cost-effective launch services.
- Reusable Rockets: Similar to SpaceX, the focus on reusability aims to drastically cut costs and increase launch frequency.
- International Collaborations: Partnerships with various countries and entities offer shared resources and technology advancements.
Practical Tips for Satellite Operators
As companies prepare for future launches with MaiaSpace, it is crucial to consider the following:
- Evaluate your payload’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the Maia launcher’s capacity.
- Stay updated on MaiaSpace’s launch schedule and availability to plan deployments strategically.
- Collaborate with MaiaSpace to align your needs with their operational capabilities and timelines.
Conclusion
MaiaSpace is on the verge of changing the landscape of commercial space launches with its innovative reusable launcher and strategic use of the historical Soyuz launch pad. The ongoing advancements and planned developments from MaiaSpace represent an exciting time for the aerospace sector, promising efficient solutions for satellite deployments.