Micro satellite space launch company Vector Space Systems has completed the acquisition of Garvey Spacecraft in a move to help improve micro satellite launch capabilities.

The deal has enabled Vector Space Systems to speed up its goal of developing new ways to boost the space commerce industry through dependable and regular launch opportunities.

Following the acquisition, Garvey Spacecraft’s founder and CEO John Garvey has joined Vector Space Systems in the position of chief technology officer.

"Vector Space Systems has seen accelerated success within just three months of its founding, positioning us as the leading launch vehicle for the microsatellite industry."

Vector Space Systems CEO and co-founder Jim Cantrell said: "Through the extensive knowledge, designs, hardware, flight experience and flight prototypes acquired from Garvey Spacecraft, Vector Space Systems has seen accelerated success within just three months of its founding, positioning us as the leading launch vehicle for the microsatellite industry.

"Vector Space Systems and Garvey Spacecraft share a common vision of space commerce growth, and by joining forces, we now have a team of experienced space veterans, cutting edge proven designs and prototype vehicles which have accelerated our time to first orbital launch to only two years from today, down from the typical five-seven years from a clean sheet vehicle design."

Established this May, Vector Space Systems has already started engine-level static fire testing and is looking forward to begin sub-orbital test flights that will lead operations and demonstrate major technology experiments in the third quarter of this year.

The company is planning to conduct large-scale sub-orbital test flights next year and orbital launches in 2018.

Formed in 2000, Garvey Spacecraft is specialised in aerospace research to develop advanced space technologies and launch vehicle systems.

For its first nanosat launch vehicle (NLV), Vector 1, Vector Space systems will use Garvey Spacecraft’s NLV design as well as propulsion technologies and other requirements.

In May this year, Vector Space Systems, successfully tested its second stage engine, which will be used by the company's first sub-orbital test flight, in Mojave, California, US.