Three NASA-supported spacecraft shared an October 1 launch, with distinct work in propulsion, astronomy, and satellite inspection ahead. The inspection mission is scheduled to begin its close-up work in 2027.
CTS Companies··1 min read
On October 1, three NASA-supported small spacecraft launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 commercial rideshare. One will test propulsion systems. One will study ultraviolet light from galaxies. One is scheduled to begin inspecting inactive satellites in 2027.
They shared a rocket, not a mission.
NASA describes commercial rideshare as a way to create more opportunities for science and technology demonstrations by sharing a launch with other government and commercial spacecraft. Here, that shared journey serves three very different kinds of work: propulsion engineering, astronomy, and satellite inspection.
The launch is their common milestone. What comes afterward is specific to each spacecraft. For the inspection mission, the close-up work is still ahead.