LeoStella and Hera Systems, two smallsat experts, have formed a strategic manufacturing alliance to revolutionize satellite manufacturing and provide more options for customers seeking multi-satellite solicitations. The collaboration aims to mitigate supply chain risks, improve production and delivery schedules, and maintain competitive pricing for small satellite constellations.
The alliance was announced through a joint manufacturing proposal for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer. As part of the proposal, LeoStella and Hera Systems will collaborate on manufacturing Hera Systems’ Leoness Smart Bus product line. This platform is known for its network security, mission-specific customization, and high-TRL (technology readiness level), making it suitable for various mission applications while being size, weight, and power optimized.
LeoStella brings its proven manufacturing capabilities to the collaboration, having already manufactured and delivered 20 satellites. The company has a track record of delivering satellites on time, with over 37 years of on-orbit heritage and a mission availability rate of 99%.
Tim Kienberger, CEO of LeoStella, highlighted the shared goal of efficient manufacturing and supply chain management. He acknowledged the challenges faced by new space companies as they scale to meet production timelines for multi-satellite agreements. The strategic collaboration with Hera Systems aims to address these challenges by leveraging their resources to overcome supply chain constraints, facility limitations, and staffing shortages.
Both LeoStella and Hera Systems have experienced leadership teams with a successful track record in satellite manufacturing. The CEOs of both companies have over six decades of collective leadership experience in space systems and have effectively managed complex space programs crucial to national security and innovative commercial solutions.
Dr. Roger Roberts, President and CEO of Hera Systems, emphasized the strategic use of collective resources and expertise to tackle the challenges of the space industry. The collaboration allows them to mitigate capacity and supply chain risks together, enabling them to pursue more ambitious projects and meet customer schedule and cost challenges. This partnership aims to facilitate measured growth and long-term success for both companies.
The alliance between LeoStella and Hera Systems on the SDA Tranche 2 Transport Layer proposal is the first step in a long-term relationship to expand the smallsat ecosystem and ensure the rapid delivery of spacecraft for commercial and government customers.
In addition to the collaboration, related links to Hera Systems, LeoStella, and the latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry are provided for further reading.
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