The start-up Latitude presents the first version of its rocket engine

In the era of new space, miniaturization now makes it possible to manufacture very small satellites, weighing less than ten kilograms! This miniaturization leads to the multiplication of projects of constellation of all sizes. A whole new panoply of small satellites thus covers markets and offers services, some of which are new, for a very wide variety ofapps and value-added services in all areas, whether civil, scientific, technological or military.

All these little satellites are to be launched. And traditional launchers may not be the best-suited launch solution for many of these projects. There is therefore a real interest in developing small launchers on the “same scale” as these small satellites and adapted to the specificities of these markets which are mainly concentrated in low orbits.

Target launch markets for small satellites, one by one rather than by cluster

A business perspective that Stanislas Maximin, CEO and co-founder of Latitude, deemed sufficiently promising and attractive to develop its own nano-launcher. Baptized Zéphyr, this small 17-meter launcher has two stages and 7 identical engines (6 for the main stage and 1 for the upper stage). Delivering a unit thrust of around twenty kN, ie a thrust of around two tonnes, it can easily launch small satellites weighing up to around a hundred kilograms into orbit.

Of course, Zéphyr will not compete with the 10 tons of performance ofAriadne 6 or the 2.5 tons of Vega C. Stanislas Maximin is betting that an additional service offer providing flexibility and responsiveness is possible and can be established on a long-term basis in very specific markets, including those for the launch of satellites weighing less than 100 kilograms requiring a dedicated nano-launcher. A complementary solution to conventional launchers.

Proof of the solidity of this project, this project has received technological support from Cnes and financial support from BPIFrance as part of the France 2030 plan.

A fully 3D printed engine

A few days ago, Latitude presented the first iteration of the Navier, the engine of Zephyr. Baptized Navier Mark I, this first engine version entirely manufactured by 3D metal printing, with the support of the Luxembourg SME Saturn Technology, will collect feedback on experience in order to develop the Navier Mark II, which will propel Zéphyr during its inaugural orbital flight in 2024. Engine tests, scheduled for this year and throughout 2023, will be carried out at the Vernon site where ArianeGroup is developing the Vulcain 2.1 and Vinci d’Ariadne 6 as well as the future Prometheus reusable engine.

Latitude has designed a fully 3D printable model, which makes it possible to produce very complex, but also lighter parts, in a minimum of time and at a lower cost. The key is the possibility for Latitude to industrialize the production of Zéphyr. This is why the start-up has joined forces with the Luxembourg SME Saturne Technology, which specializes in additive manufacturing (or 3d printing) metallic. Together, the two companies were able to print a first version of the Navier engine, dubbed Navier Mark I, in less than a week. The various components were manufactured using an SLM 500 printer and a powder ofInconel 718. Alloy made of nickelInconel 718 has the advantage of presenting a thermal resistance exceptional up to 700°C and high resistance tooxidation and at the corrosion.

A word from Stanislas Maximin, CEO and co-founder of Venture Orbital Systems, now Latitude.

Futura: The proliferation of micro and small launcher projects is puzzling. We are even more so with your “nano-launcher” project! In Europe, your small launcher will have to face competition from Maia and the multiple launches of Vega and Ariane 6. Will there be a sufficient market for everyone?

Stanislas Maximin: This multiplication is proof (even more credible when you see the order books of the first entrants) of the growth of this market. Of course, not all of these players will mature, and not all of them will necessarily survive. It is a classic model and very well known in all the other economic sectors in disruption by new entrants.

Regarding Latitude, our positioning was done precisely in consideration of this. We don’t want to come and compete Rocket Lab, already in operation, or Firefly, almost in operation. We are attacking a market that lacks physical solutions to deploy their clusters of satellites in the right place in space. And our first work with our prospects clearly confirms this vital interest for them.

Concretely, what are the target markets and do you want to open up to new markets?

Stanislas Maximin: We are targeting a market for satellites weighing less than 100 kilograms. Last year, this represents more than 500 satellites sent into space. None in a megaconstellation. It is therefore one of the markets with the greatest potential for a microlauncher.

It is estimated that by 2030, more than 10,000 of these satellites will have to be sent into space and 40% of this number will largely require a dedicated micro-launcher.

Technically, how does your Zéphyr nano-launcher look and what are its main characteristics in terms of mass, performance and cost of use, for example?

Stanislas Maximin: Zephyr is a two-stage launcher taking advantage of the RP-1/LOX torque to power its Navier engines, fully 3D printed. Zephyr has a capacity of around 100 kg in low orbit, for a launch cost of between €25k and €35k.

The launcher is easily transportable in standardized containers, operable from a launch pad mobile and very sober, considerably reducing operating costs. Finally, all the parts have been designed for production in mass.

Does Zephyr embed technological innovations?

Stanislas Maximin: It embeds several technological innovations, in particular within its propulsion systems and subsystems. Other innovations are also present, on the tests, the means grounds, the production etc.

Its engines will be manufactured by 3D metal printing. What are the constraints induced by this manufacturing process?

Stanislas Maximin: One of the main constraints is posed by the forms of printing. Even if 3D printing allows a greater diversity of shapes compared to traditional machining, the printing possibilities are conditioned to those of a maximum printing angle. In case of error, the part will not support the production process. These parameters must therefore be taken into account from the preliminary design phases.

Also, the part does not come out of the printer ready-made. Thus, it is necessary to have real expertise on all post-processing processes.

Where will the Zephyr be launched from? From Guyana?

Stanislas Maximin: We recently signed an agreement with SaxaVord, scottish spaceport located in the Shetland Islands. Others are being studied, such as certain launch pads in northern Europe and, of course, the CSG in Kourou.

When is its first flight scheduled and when do you envisage its entry into service?

Stanislas Maximin: 2024 for the first flight, 2025-2026 for the 1^ers commercial flights.

Are future developments of the Zéphyr already being studied, or even other small, more efficient launchers?

Stanislas Maximin: We are concentrating on Zephyr and its evolutions (to quickly reach an economic and performance optimum. Other very ambitious projects are also under development.