SEOPS, a provider of responsive launch and payload integration services, signed a partnership with Axient Systems to provide launch services to European customers, the companies announced today.
The partnership’s first launch will be an ISR satellite for the Dutch military, which is expected to lift off as early as 2027.
Stairway to heaven: The SEOPS partnership is the latest piece in the puzzle for Axient Systems’ goal to offer end-to-end mission services to EU customers.
Axient Systems has partnered with Blue Canyon Technologies, and VDL Enabling Technologies Group to form a venture called Scalea Space Systems, which provides satellite manufacturing, mission systems engineering, and integration services.
With launch services support from SEOPS, and satellite laser comms tech from FSO Instruments, Scalea will act as the overall mission integrator, allowing governments and commercial clients in the EU to focus on building their payloads, while Scalea handles the rest, according to Axient Systems’ managing director Jay Kovacs.
“We’re looking at expanding our capabilities in Europe. So, we’re looking to do full scale satellite manufacturing, mission systems engineering and integration services in Europe as part of this consortium,” Kovacs told Payload. “When you look at the total services that you need to provide to be able to do that, launch integration and launch services is a big part of it.”
Supplying demand: For SEOPS, this partnership opens the floodgates for opportunities on the European continent. The company, which has been largely focused on securing launch spots for US government and commercial clients, is betting on the growth in the EU’s demand for launch integration and services on rideshare missions.
SEOPS announced today it secured space on a Falcon 9 flight to geostationary transfer orbit in late 2028.
“We want to be the number one rideshare company in the world,” said SEOPS CEO Chad Brinkley. “If you call SEOPS and you can’t get the mission that you want within the orbital parameters, then it doesn’t exist. That’s what we’re trying to create.”
