Latest news with #Transporter
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exolaunch Procures Launches on SpaceX Falcon 9 Rideshare Missions through 2028
With over 400 diverse satellites deployed by Exolaunch across 20 missions with SpaceX to date, the companies are set to continue collaborating on small satellite launches through 2028 DENVER & BERLIN, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exolaunch, the global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment technologies, is announcing new, multi-year launch contracts with SpaceX that extend its small satellite launch capacity through 2028 on upcoming rideshare missions. The new launch contracts span traditional Transporter missions to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), as well as additional mid-inclination, near-polar and dawn-dusk missions, covering a wide range of launch demands. Exolaunch can integrate and deploy the full range of satellites — from CubeSats up to 16U, to microsatellites ranging from 20 to 800 kilograms and larger payloads. Exolaunch has launched with SpaceX since 2020, executing more than 160 contracts to date and successfully deploying more than 400 diverse satellites across 20 missions aboard Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These missions have delivered payloads to LEO SSO, mid-inclination orbits, geostationary orbit (GEO), and deep space. Exolaunch is also proud to be the only launch integrator to have manifested satellites on every Transporter rideshare mission to date. These satellites have served Exolaunch customers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Finland, Spain, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Lithuania, Denmark, Turkey, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Argentina, and many more. These missions have also helped enable many "firsts" for emerging space nations, including launches for customers in Senegal, Kenya, Croatia, Mongolia, Djibouti, Botswana, and others — helping bring their space ambitions to life. Exolaunch's flight-proven deployment hardware includes the CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings, EXOport multi-satellite adapters, EXOpod Nova CubeSat deployers, and Quadro four-point separation systems for microsatellites. Exolaunch is set to launch several new separation systems for microsatellites and CubeSats on upcoming missions, continually refining and expanding its product line to address the evolving deployment needs of the global satellite industry. "Exolaunch's sustained and growing collaboration with SpaceX underscores our joint commitment and mission to provide reliable access to space," said Kier Fortier, Vice President of Global Business Development at Exolaunch. "SpaceX has been a steadfast launch provider, and we're proud to push the boundaries of what's possible in support of our global customers together." "We're proud of Exolaunch's ongoing trust in our capabilities to provide rapid and reliable access to space for their customers aboard our small satellite rideshare missions," said SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, Stephanie Bednarek. "Our Falcon vehicles have safely delivered hundreds of payloads to orbit for Exolaunch, and we look forward to continuing launching with them long into the future." Most recently, Exolaunch deployed 27 customer satellites on the Transporter-13 rideshare mission, delivering over 1,500 kilograms of payload into orbit for customers from 14 countries. On the upcoming Transporter-14 mission, Exolaunch is set to deploy nearly 50 customer satellites. Growing global demand has fueled year-over-year increases in both Exolaunch's mission cadence and total number of satellites deployed. "We're thankful to SpaceX for our fruitful long-term collaboration and for delivering hundreds of payloads successfully to orbit," said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Exolaunch. "Exolaunch is scaling rapidly to efficiently serve its global customers." As part of its strategic growth, Exolaunch continues to scale its U.S. operations to meet domestic customer needs. The company has expanded its offices and integration facilities in Denver and now operates U.S.-based payload processing and mission management teams to provide rapid, on-the-ground support for U.S. and global customers. In addition, Exolaunch has established a presence in France and Japan to better serve local small satellite operators. With a robust pipeline of upcoming launches and a reputation for reliability and execution, Exolaunch is well positioned to continue to deliver orbital access for the world's most ambitious space programs. About Exolaunch Exolaunch (Germany, USA) is a global leader in launch mission integration and deployment technologies for small satellites. With a decade of flight heritage and 530 satellites launched across 36 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for industry leaders, the world's most innovative startups, research institutions, government organizations, and international space agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own flight-proven and industry-leading small satellite separation systems, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, please contact: media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Exolaunch Procures Launches on SpaceX Falcon 9 Rideshare Missions through 2028
DENVER & BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exolaunch, the global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment technologies, is announcing new, multi-year launch contracts with SpaceX that extend its small satellite launch capacity through 2028 on upcoming rideshare missions. The new launch contracts span traditional Transporter missions to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), as well as additional mid-inclination, near-polar and dawn-dusk missions, covering a wide range of launch demands. Exolaunch can integrate and deploy the full range of satellites — from CubeSats up to 16U, to microsatellites ranging from 20 to 800 kilograms and larger payloads. Exolaunch has launched with SpaceX since 2020, executing more than 160 contracts to date and successfully deploying more than 400 diverse satellites across 20 missions aboard Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These missions have delivered payloads to LEO SSO, mid-inclination orbits, geostationary orbit (GEO), and deep space. Exolaunch is also proud to be the only launch integrator to have manifested satellites on every Transporter rideshare mission to date. These satellites have served Exolaunch customers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Finland, Spain, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Lithuania, Denmark, Turkey, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Argentina, and many more. These missions have also helped enable many 'firsts' for emerging space nations, including launches for customers in Senegal, Kenya, Croatia, Mongolia, Djibouti, Botswana, and others — helping bring their space ambitions to life. Exolaunch's flight-proven deployment hardware includes the CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings, EXOport multi-satellite adapters, EXOpod Nova CubeSat deployers, and Quadro four-point separation systems for microsatellites. Exolaunch is set to launch several new separation systems for microsatellites and CubeSats on upcoming missions, continually refining and expanding its product line to address the evolving deployment needs of the global satellite industry. 'Exolaunch's sustained and growing collaboration with SpaceX underscores our joint commitment and mission to provide reliable access to space,' said Kier Fortier, Vice President of Global Business Development at Exolaunch. 'SpaceX has been a steadfast launch provider, and we're proud to push the boundaries of what's possible in support of our global customers together.' 'We're proud of Exolaunch's ongoing trust in our capabilities to provide rapid and reliable access to space for their customers aboard our small satellite rideshare missions,' said SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, Stephanie Bednarek. 'Our Falcon vehicles have safely delivered hundreds of payloads to orbit for Exolaunch, and we look forward to continuing launching with them long into the future.' Most recently, Exolaunch deployed 27 customer satellites on the Transporter-13 rideshare mission, delivering over 1,500 kilograms of payload into orbit for customers from 14 countries. On the upcoming Transporter-14 mission, Exolaunch is set to deploy nearly 50 customer satellites. Growing global demand has fueled year-over-year increases in both Exolaunch's mission cadence and total number of satellites deployed. 'We're thankful to SpaceX for our fruitful long-term collaboration and for delivering hundreds of payloads successfully to orbit,' said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Exolaunch. 'Exolaunch is scaling rapidly to efficiently serve its global customers.' As part of its strategic growth, Exolaunch continues to scale its U.S. operations to meet domestic customer needs. The company has expanded its offices and integration facilities in Denver and now operates U.S.-based payload processing and mission management teams to provide rapid, on-the-ground support for U.S. and global customers. In addition, Exolaunch has established a presence in France and Japan to better serve local small satellite operators. With a robust pipeline of upcoming launches and a reputation for reliability and execution, Exolaunch is well positioned to continue to deliver orbital access for the world's most ambitious space programs. About Exolaunch Exolaunch (Germany, USA) is a global leader in launch mission integration and deployment technologies for small satellites. With a decade of flight heritage and 530 satellites launched across 36 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for industry leaders, the world's most innovative startups, research institutions, government organizations, and international space agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own flight-proven and industry-leading small satellite separation systems, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all.
NZ Autocar
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2024 Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Trendline SWB Review
It's time to have one last look at one of New Zealand's most popular European vans, the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1, before it exits the market. The Transporter nameplate celebrates its 75th birthday this year. The first-generation van, which shared its rear-mounted air-cooled engine and platform with the VW Beetle, first rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg in 1950. Two further generations of air-cooled Transporters followed from the Volkswagen Commercials plant in Hannover, until the arrival of the T4 in 1990. This saw the Transporter become a more contemporary two-box design with a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, as well as optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The subsequent T5, T6, and the facelift T6.1 series have continued the Transporter family of delivery vans, people movers, luxury shuttles and campers based on the one platform. This has been around since 2003, albeit with numerous changes to the body design, as well as updated engines and suspension components. The forthcoming T7 Transporter family has been co-developed with Ford in a similar vein to the Amarok. The van marks a significant transition for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as it will be built in a Ford plant in Turkey, rather than Hannover. We've driven many iterations of the sixth-generation Transporter (T6) since it arrived in 2015, including the California Camper, the luxurious seven-seat Multivan and the panel van in both Runner and Trendline specifications. The updated T6.1 range arrived five years later in August 2020 which brought a raft of cosmetic changes and updates to the dashboard and cabin layout. Transporter T 6.1 pricing Volkswagen New Zealand has begun the run-out phase of the Transporter T6.1 with the entry level short wheelbase (SWB) Runner available from $53,880. The SWB Transporter Trendline as reviewed is available from $59,990 and the long wheelbase (LWB) Trendline is available from $63,039. List prices are currently $70,500, $78,000, and $80,500 respectively, so the run-out deal represents savings of up to $15,000. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says this runout offer is only available on pre-registered stock. It includes a five-year/150,000km warranty (commencing from the first registration date), and a free Service Plan which includes three complimentary scheduled services (six-year/ 90,000km). Transporter T6.1 capability For basic delivery work the Transporter SWB Runner offers great value in a European light commercial package, but for anyone who will spend significant time in the T6.1, the upgrade to the Trendline is worth it. Not only does it get a few comfort upgrades and useful items like a rubber covered rear floor, it allows access options from the catalogue that aren't extended to the Runner. That load area itself is good with great access from both side doors, a low, flat entry from the rear, the rubber floor and plenty of tie-downs. You get 5.8 cubic metres of loading space in the SWB. Overall load length in the SWB is 2324mm measured at floor level, width is 1244mm between the wheelarches and 1700mm overall. Height is 1410mm. Overall load length in the long wheelbase Trendline is 2722mm which translates in a 6.7 cubic metre load space. Transporter T6.1 cabin The cabin will feel familiar to anyone who has driven any Volkswagen product in recent years, right down to the leather-covered three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. It's very passenger car-like with quality plastic finishes on the dashboard and door cards and lots of storage places inside the cabin. There's a folder holder on the top of the dashboard and there's a shelf section above the glovebox. There are cup holders on the dash and the door pockets have huge storage spaces that will accommodate 1-litre water bottles. In addition there's an 6.5-inch Composition infotainment touchscreen with four speakers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as App connect for mobile phones. The air-conditioning is a manual system with three dials on the dashboard, and adjacent is a cupholder with two USB-C outlets and a 12-volt power outlet. We found the cloth upholstered seats were supportive and comfortable, with the Trendline providing a two person bench on the left; a single passenger seat is a no cost option. The driver's seat offers both height adjustment and lumbar support and there is a heating option if required for those who work in colder climates. All three grades have halogen headlamps and daytime running lights as standard, and there is a Transporter badge neatly integrated on the front wing between the headlamp and the side indicator repeater lamp, which differentiates the T6.1 from the earlier T6 models. While not class-leading the safety feature list is solid. Electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, crosswind assist, a lane change system, a rear camera, front and rear parking sensors and a driver alert system make up the standard kit. That list falls behind the Toyota Hiace and Hyundai Staria, both of which carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating, while the T6.1 is unrated. Just two airbags are standard, with side and curtain options an $850 option. If you are seeking a new van with a few more standard safety features it may pay to also check out the Peugeot Expert, and Ford Transit Custom. Transporter T6.1 driving experience The Transporter drives very well. Its short nose and high seating position make for great visibility, the electro-mechanical power steering system is quick and responsive and the T6.1 Trendline tracks more like a passenger car than a light commercial. Ride quality from the all-around coil suspension is good when unladen and even better with a bit of weight in the back. While speed bumps are barely felt, bridge expansion joints caused a bit more of a commotion The 110kW/340Nm powertrain combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission feels well suited for the majority of most light commercial van applications. The engine's stop-start system, combined with turbo lag and the DSG system doesn't feel too inhibited and it's easy to get away from a standing start without much fuss. In spite of its aging platform which has been around for 23 years, and the fact that an all-new model is set to go on sale later this year, the T6.1 Trendline still makes for a solid and compelling option as a work horse and with the current run out pricing it will never be better value. Transporter T6.1 (SWB) specifications: Engine: 1968cc, IL4 TDI Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Max power: 110kW @ 3250 rpm Max torque: 340Nm @1500rpm GVM: 3000kg Tare weight: 1897kg Payload: 1103kg Towing capacity: 2500kg (braked) 750kg (unbraked) Fuel tank: 70l Combined fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km Combined C02 emissions: 199g/km
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SpaceX launches European reentry capsule on 'Bandwagon-3' rideshare mission
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. SpaceX just sent a pioneering European capsule to the final frontier. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida today (April 21) at 8:48 p.m. EDT (0048 GMT on April 22), on a rideshare mission that SpaceX calls Bandwagon-3. Among the payloads riding the Falcon 9 is Phoenix 1, a reentry capsule built by German company Atmos Space Cargo. If all goes to plan, Phoenix 1 will come back to Earth soon, splashing down in the Atlantic about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) off the coast of Brazil after a single circuit of our planet. It's the first reentry mission ever conducted by a European company, according to Atmos. The goal is to test the Phoenix system's inflatable heat shield and other core technology, showing the craft can safely bring valuable cargo from space to Earth — something Atmos plans to do for a variety of customers in the near future. "Our mission is to revolutionize space logistics, enabling groundbreaking advancements in microgravity research, in-orbit manufacturing, defense applications and life sciences," the company's website reads. Bandwagon-3 is a rideshare mission, so Phoenix 1 wasn't alone on the Falcon 9. Also going up today were 425Sat-3, which will be operated by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, and Tomorrow-S7, a satellite for the weather-forecasting outfit Tomorrow Companies Inc. Related stories: — SpaceX launches a record 143 satellites on one rocket, aces landing — SpaceX launches 30 satellites on Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission (video) — 8 ways SpaceX has transformed spaceflight The Bandwagon series, whose first two missions launched in April 2024 and December 2024, isn't SpaceX's only rideshare line. Elon Musk's company also operates a program called Transporter, which has 13 missions under its belt to date. The first Transporter flight sent 143 satellites to orbit in January 2021, a single-launch record that still stands.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
We spent £14,000 doing up our Volkswagen Campervan
A symbol of freedom and adventure, the iconic Volkswagen Campervan is celebrating its 75th birthday. Launched at the Geneva motor show in 1949, the van – originally marketed as the Transporter, a commercial utility vehicle – went into production the following year. During the 1960s, it became the must-have vehicle for the hippy generation and, subsequently, attracted families who were regularly spotted pitching up at campsites during the 70s and 80s. The original concept was the brainchild of Ben Pon, a Dutch car dealer, the first person outside Germany to sell the company's vehicles. While visiting VW's Wolfsburg factory in 1947, he suggested producing a utility van after spotting motorised trolleys moving parts around the factory floor. Following the pre-war Type 1 passenger car, better known as the Beetle, over the years several versions were manufactured – including the larger and heavier T3 – but it's the Type 2 (usually abbreviated T2) which is most recognised. T2s rolled off the production line for almost two decades, during which time advancements included the original (and now highly sought-after) split screen replaced with a bay window, new wheels and side steps to aid entry and egress. But that wasn't the end of the story, since the T2 remained in production in Brazil until the final day of 2013. Today, the classic VW Campervan retains its immense appeal and is adored by the many thousands owners around the world. We caught up with five devotees from the UK, who explain their affection for their homes on wheels. Jai Virgo-Cozzi Age: 46 Van: 1973 1600 T2 Westfalia Purchased: 2024 'For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of owning a VW Campervan. There's something about their quirky charm, timeless design and promise of adventure which have drawn me in. But every time I got close to buying one, soaring prices put it out of reach. 'That desire grew stronger upon moving to Cornwall. Regularly, I'd drive past a stunning blue and white Westfalia, sitting proudly on a driveway. It looked beautifully original, as if it had been stuck in time. 'One day while scrolling through classified ads, I saw that exact camper for sale. Up close, it was just as charming but not perfect due to rust spots and mechanical issues. The owner refused to budge on price, so I walked away. 'A month later, he rang, willing to reduce the price. I took it on a test drive to a local VW specialist for a full appraisal. The verdict? It was a £14,000 camper at best, not the £21,000 asking price. The owner said he'd rather keep it than sell for less. Again, I walked away but two months later he phoned and accepted my offer. 'That first summer was magic. Nearly every weekend we took off, exploring hidden beaches, scenic campsites and stunning coastal roads. We woke up to the sound of waves, cooked breakfasts with the doors flung open and fell asleep under the stars. It was a feeling of total freedom, nostalgia and adventure rolled into one. 'There are many things I like about the Type 2 Westfalia, including the iconic shape, with its rounded edges and two-tone paint. It's lightweight, easy to work on and has air-cooled reliability – no complex cooling system to fail. 'Of course, there are some negatives, such as it's underpowered, costly to restore, rusts and has poor safety features, due to the thin metal body with no crumple zones. But, overall, it's a van which doesn't just get you from A to B, it invites you to slow down, take the scenic route and embrace the journey.' Chris Mason Age: 64 Van: 1970 1,600cc T2 Purchased: 2023 'The first vehicle I bought after passing my driving test in 1981 was a VW T2 Bay Window – same colour and year, so when this one was put up for sale locally, I had to get it. 'My first VW blew up on a motorway outside Barcelona in 1982. I managed to get it back to the UK and installed a new engine. As the years passed, I promised myself that I'd own another one day and now I do – I suppose I'm trying to relive my youth! 'She has been a reliable van although I had to fit a refurbished 1,600cc engine in April 2023. The previous one was in a poor state and the wrong type: a 1,300cc Beetle engine, which we verified from its factory engine stamps. 'We've completed many trips around North Yorkshire and last summer ventured to Snowdonia. 'I've always loved the T2 Bay Windows, partly due to the way they drive: all squishy and soft thanks to torsion bar suspension. Plus, I've fitted secondhand leather front seats from an MG TF which are much more comfortable. 'You have to 'drive' these vans, with 55mph being a comfortable cruising speed, but that soon drops off on hills. Being in the right gear in good time on hills is essential. There is no power steering and the brakes are nothing special, it's all about anticipation and using gears to slow the van as much as possible. 'We love staying a night or two off-grid rather than at official campsites. Tucked discretely away down a lane somewhere, preferably by a stream, is wonderful. Owning one of these vehicles is like harking back to simpler times.' Rob & Carla Franks Ages: 46 & 42 Van: 1976 1,600cc T2 Purchased: 2024 'Carla had her heart set on a VW Campervan so I arranged to see a 2019 van the day before her birthday. Unbeknown to me, the owner – who had promised to hold the vehicle – sold it. I was like a bear with a sore head! 'Then I discovered this 1976 model just 20 minutes down the road. Half an hour later, I'd snapped it up. 'On Carla's birthday, I surprised her by getting her in our car blindfolded and driving to the van; she was so shocked with her birthday present! 'Not only is the van yellow, our favourite colour, but it's automatic. As an above-knee amputee, that means I can drive it, too. 'We don't worry about things like low mpg and lack of power steering because we love everything about it.' Brian Thompson Age: 52 Van: 1962 1,600cc T2 Purchased: 2017 'My friend, who helped convert this van, is a VW mechanic and imported vehicles from a contact in Canada. He brought over this panel van which was in a terrible state. 'My wife, Vicky, and I had owned a campervan before but got fed up with the lack of floor space for getting dressed. So, when we bought this one for £3,000, we decided to convert a caravan and hitch it to the back of the VW. 'We spent £14,000 converting it but it's been worth it. When it came to painting the van, we kept the top half the original ivory and chose mango green for the lower half. We love it, and so did the judges at the Split Screen Van Club, who awarded it 2024 Van of the Year.' Matt Earnshaw Age: 43 Van: 1973 1,600cc T2 Purchased: 2020 'Wherever I drive my T2, people are always interested in talking about it. Every journey is an adventure, partly because I'm driving a vehicle over 50 years old. 'I'll never forget a faulty washer hose causing a short-circuit, which resulted in the horn beeping whenever the ignition was switched on. Once, it scared some old ladies just leaving church. Then there was the time we survived 50mph winds in Newquay last summer – we even had the awning erected. Luckily, the van held up and the awning stayed firm, a testament to its manufacturer. 'We've had the van for five years and have added opening quarterlights on the doors to add ventilation and cooling on hot days, replaced interior panels and carpets, plus we swapped tyres for whitewalled ones. 'I love the van's simplistic charm, the fact there aren't any electronic aids. And the basic engineering means that most things are fixable with a few spanners and couple of screwdrivers. Thankfully, obtaining parts is relatively straightforward, too. 'I get around 20mpg but, overall, there is nothing about the T2 I'd change. Among the major plus points is the VW Campervan community. Owners wave to each other as they pass and everyone is happy to help, if needed – that's one reason I set up the VW T2 Campervan page on Facebook.'
