Latitude (formerly Venture Orbital Systems), a French space technology company based in Reims, specializes in the launch of micro satellites with its own light launcher, Zephyr. Zephyr is powered by the Navier engine, developed in-house and 3D printed in less than two years and successfully tested in winter 2022. Latitude's services include providing fully dedicated launches for smallsat operators, using advanced technology to ensure high-impact space missions. The company's development capabilities include the construction of a proprietary liquid engine test bed and the establishment of the first French micro-launcher factory. Launch operations are conducted from strategic locations in SaxaVord (Shetland Islands, UK) and Kourou (French Guyana).
Latitude's Zephyr rocket has a payload capacity of up to 100 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 80 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), with the first flight targeted for 2025 and an upgraded version capable of carrying 200 kg payloads planned for 2028. The firm had set a production target of 50 rockets per year following this.
Key customers and partnerships
In April 2024, the company partnered with Aldoria, a space tech company focused on improving the launch activities of Latitude's Zephyr light launch vehicle. Aldoria would support Latitude during the pre-launch and launch phases by providing anti-collision protection for its customers.
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