Micro satellite space launch company Vector Space Systems has finalised a $60m agreement with aerospace company York Space Systems for six satellite launches between 2019 and 2022, with an option for 14 additional launches.

According to the agreement, York Space Systems will be launching a Vector-H vehicle, which has the ability to launch 100kg into the orbit and offer an integrated spacecraft to customers through a standard platform.

Vector Space Systems CEO and co-founder Jim Cantrell said: “Since our launch earlier this year, Vector has made it a priority to engage with partners who share our mission of making space more accessible to a new generation of innovators, and York Space Systems is a shining example of this type of partner.

“We want to provide the next great ideas, with a turnkey space solution. Our work with Vector will help us do just that.”

“By leveraging Vector's low-cost launch vehicle family, York Space Systems will now be able to offer more frequent low-cost space access opportunities for new missions and data gathering missions, furthering our mission to eliminate the barriers for startups and entrepreneurs.”

York Space Systems will also be using Vector Space Systems for launching their standardised S-Class satellite platform into orbit for commercial and government customers.

York Space Systems' satellites will also take the advantage of Electric Upper Stage that uses Vector Space Systems' electric propulsion technology as the final insertion stage of the Vector-H to place the satellites at an orbital altitude of nearly 1,000km with zero loss of launch throw mass capability.

York Space Systems CEO Dirk Wallinger said: “In this day and age, complementary capabilities and expertise for fielding space-based products and solutions for customers is hard to find.

“Vector is rapidly pioneering low-cost rapid launch capabilities, and together, we can bring the reality of space exploration to a broader array of commercial and government customers through the engineered compatibility of the S-class satellite platform and the Vector-H.

“We want to provide the next great ideas, with a turnkey space solution. Our work with Vector will help us do just that.”

York Space Systems currently concentrates on the small and medium-sized spacecraft supporting a wide range of missions, including visible Earth Observation (EO), Infrared EO, Multispectral EO, Synthetic Aperture Radar EO, asset tracking, weather, communications, signals intelligence, and robotic servicing.