SpaceX cheap rideshare flights change propulsion equation

[Elderberry]

Space News by Debra Werner — November 20, 2019

SpaceX’s plan to slash the cost of space transportation is shaking up the small satellite propulsion market, according to speakers at the Space Tech Expo Europe here.

“If it happens, that changes everything,” said David Henri, co-founder and CEO of Exotrail, a French startup developing electric propulsion and software for small satellites.

SpaceX announced plans in August to transport 200-kilogram satellites to low Earth orbit for $1 million through its Smallsat Rideshare Program.

With the new SpaceX price list, the cost of reaching low Earth orbit falls so dramatically “you should select the cheapest launcher even if it does not go exactly where you need it and then use propulsion to go where you need to be,” Henri said. “From a total system cost standpoint, that will make the most sense.”

More: https://spacenews.com/spacex-cheap-rideshare-flights-change-propulsion-equation/