CHANTILLY, Va. – August 5, 2019 – TriSept Corporation, a leading provider of launch integration and mission management services, has signed comprehensive launch service agreements with Millennium Space Systems and Rocket Lab to support a unique mission aimed at helping to solve the ever-increasing low-Earth orbital debris challenge.
Millennium Space Systems is designing and building, and will be operating the Millennium RAPTOR satellites and working with TriSept to manage the mission for the DRAGRACER initiative. This rideshare mission will launch aboard the Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle in early 2020. Once in space, the 25kg small satellite will split into two payloads to demonstrate how a new deorbit technology, the Terminator Tape developed by Tethers Unlimited Inc., can help reduce orbital debris.
“The DRAGRACER mission is all about providing an affordable, effective and scalable solution to the orbital debris challenge facing the LEO small satellite market and the global space industry,” said Mike Scardera, vice president of Advanced Concepts, Millennium Space Systems. “It is the first in a series of critical project missions we expect to launch with TriSept. By working with such a seasoned support crew, we can focus on building the best flight solutions for today’s challenges in space.”
One of the test satellites will feature the deployable Terminator Tape, designed to add significant drag to the spacecraft and allow researchers to closely study how the device can dramatically accelerate reentry and the removal of orbital debris once a spacecraft reaches end of life. An onboard timer will trigger the tether deployment on the experimental satellite a few days into the mission, with reentry estimates in the two- to four-week range for the spacecraft with the Terminator Tape, and eight to 12 months without the enhanced drag device.
TriSept will provide full spacecraft integration with the launch vehicle and procurement of dispenser device hardware used to release the small satellites into space. TriSept is also leading collaborative efforts with Millennium Space Systems and Rocket Lab to secure regulatory approvals from U.S. and New Zealand space agencies.
“The collaborative relationship between TriSept, Millennium Space Systems and Rocket Lab is driving new innovative and meaningful missions in space, such as the DRAGRACER initiative dedicated to exploring creative solutions to the orbital space debris challenge,” said Rob Spicer, TriSept President and CEO. “We are honored that Millennium Space Systems has entrusted TriSept with the integration and management of this important mission aboard our second launch with the proven Rocket Lab Electron. DRAGRACER could ultimately help shape how the industry handles orbital debris for years to come.”
“This rideshare mission slated for launch aboard our Rocket Lab Electron is very significant as Millennium Space Systems, supported by TriSept’s seasoned launch integration team, tackles one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today,” said Lars Hoffman, senior vice president of Global Launch Services, Rocket Lab. “We look forward to working closely with these two space industry innovators in preparation for an exciting milestone launch of the DRAGRACER orbital debris initiative.”
For further information please contact:
Paul Sims
For TriSept Corporation
Mobile 678-576-6126
paul@simscomm.com
Cheryl Sampson
Boeing Phantom Works/Millennium Space Systems
Mobile 714-330-8021
cheryl.a.sampson@boeing.com
Morgan Bailey
Rocket Lab
Mobile +64 27 538 9039
media@rocketlabusa.com
About TriSept Corporation
TriSept is the leading provider of launch integration and program management services for commercial and government missions, with more than 200 satellites launched on 20 different launch vehicles from 13 launch sites across the globe. Founded 25 years ago and headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, TriSept helped conceptualize and shape the very rideshare and small satellite missions it supports today with the most experienced launch integration team in the industry. For more information about TriSept and how it is enabling a new age of breakthrough missions in space, visit www.trisept.com.
About Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company
Millennium Space Systems is a Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary, headquartered in El Segundo, California. Founded in November 2001, Millennium provides alternative, relevant and affordable solutions to today’s aerospace challenges. The company designs flight systems and develops mission and system solutions for the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, NASA and commercial customers. With Millennium’s proven RAPTOR, ALTAIR™ and AQUILA™ products, Boeing is now positioned to offer customers the full range of tailored space capabilities and missions today. To learn more, visit www.millennium-space.com
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the world’s leading small satellite launch provider. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab provides end-to-end mission services, including complete satellite build and launch solutions that provide rapid, frequent and reliable access to space. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab has delivered 35 satellites to orbit on the Electron launch vehicle, enabling operations in space debris mitigation, Earth observation, ship and airplane tracking, and radio communications. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron launch vehicle, a full carbon-composite launch vehicle tailored for small satellites. Rocket Lab operates launch sites in Māhia, New Zealand and Wallops Island, Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.