Bandwagon-2 Mission will Deploy 22 Satellites
Builds on Collaboration Between SpaceX and Exolaunch
The Bandwagon-2 Rideshare mission currently planned for December 29 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California will deploy 22 satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Exolaunch will once again integrate and deploy those satellites into orbit for a diverse range of international customers.
"(T)his mission demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of global access to space.”
Robert Sproles, Exolaunch
Bandwagon-2 is a unique mid-inclination rideshare mission, offering a rare orbital opportunity for diverse satellite deployments. As part of this mission, the launch campaign at Vandenberg Space Force Base is currently underway for Exolaunch's roster of 22 customer satellites, including 15 cubesats and 7 microsatellites. Exolaunch's customers represent a broad spectrum of space exploration, with missions originating from countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Djibouti, Finland, Mongolia, and the United States.
This is Exolaunch's seventh mission in 2024, after successfully deploying 83 satellites into orbit across the Bandwagon-1, Transporter-10, and Transporter-11 Rideshare missions with SpaceX, two dedicated missions with Rocket Lab, and ESA's Ariane 6 maiden flight.
The Exolaunch satellite separation hardware will play a critical role in this mission. The CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings and EXOpod Nova deployers will ensure the safe and reliable deployment of over 700 kg of customer payloads into orbit. Additionally, Exolaunch will fly its versatile EXOport adapter, enabling the accommodation and deployment of multiple customer satellites on a single launch. Known for their lightweight yet robust designs, these systems offer unmatched precision and safety during satellite deployments, minimizing shock and vibration to ensure payload integrity. These systems are engineered to perform in the most demanding space environments, renowned for their reliability and effectiveness across numerous missions.
Beyond its deployment hardware, Exolaunch provides comprehensive launch procurement and mission management expertise. From the initial contract to final deployment, Exolaunch guides customers through the complexities of their launch planning, global shipping and logistics for sensitive space hardware, managing regulatory compliance, integration, and more. With a decade of experience in managing high-stakes satellite missions, Exolaunch is a trusted partner in navigating the technical, logistical, and legal challenges of getting payloads into space.
“Our long-standing relationship has been instrumental in Exolaunch's growth, and this mission demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of global access to space,” said Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. “With each mission, we continue to raise the bar for satellite integration and deployment, and we're proud to support the innovative and impactful work of our new and existing customers flying on Bandwagon-2.”