12 December 2023 11:00
The Agile Space Access Development Project #1 – PADA1, is a consortium led by HyPrSpace as the pilot, in collaboration with CT Ingénierie and Telespazio France. This project aims to complete the detailed design of its OB-1 rocket and to carry out the first flight of Baguette One, its suborbital demonstration rocket showcasing the innovative hybrid propulsion technology developed by HyPrSpace.
In the continuity of the first part of the micro-launcher call for tenders of France2030 won in 2022, HyPrSpace is developing its innovative hybrid propulsion technology in order to power the orbital and sub-orbital vehicle, with the launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This disruptive innovation in the field of space propulsion allows for less expensive access to space, and is more environmentally friendly.
As part of the PADA1 project, Telespazio France will leverage its experience in maintenance, planning, and operation of ground infrastructure, which it oversees in Kourou, to develop a comprehensive service offer, from the launcher's factory release to the orbiting of payloads. These operations, to be conducted for the first time during the Baguette One launch scheduled for 2026, will particularly rely on ultra-mobile, autonomous, and standardized telemetry and telecommunication stations. This end-to-end service will be perfectly suited to the economic means and aspirations of micro-launchers that need to be launched quickly, competitively, and often from different spaceports. The operational management segment for launch services is one of the reference technological domains that the Telespazio group directs and guides in its innovation pathway, especially in "Ground Segment & Operations" activities (through capabilities developed over time by participating in ESA and CNES contracts) and in the "Maintenance & Operations" activities it carries out in the Guiana Space Centre on ground-based launching infrastructure.
CT will bring to the consortium its expertise in launcher system design and optimization; for 35 years, CT has been accumulating multi-physics expertise in proprietary models and software, integrated into digital platforms for techno-economic system evaluation. CT will employ these skills and tools, as well as its expertise in mission analysis and trajectory plotting, for system engineering and the design of the OB-1 and Baguette One launchers within the tight timelines induced by the evolving market for space access.
The consortium targets three major objectives: to provide sovereign and sustainable access to space for small satellites, to innovate with a more ecological and competitive propulsion technology, and to strengthen French competitiveness in the mini and micro-launcher sector.
"The recognition of our PADA1 project by the France 2030 program confirms the transformative potential of our hybrid technology for the space industry. We are honored and energized by this opportunity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure France a leading position in the future space economy," said Alexandre MANGEOT, CEO of HyPrSpace.
"PADA1 is a major step in implementing Telespazio France's strategy to become a launch operator for micro-mini launchers, enabling them to launch quickly, anytime, and anywhere. We are delighted to be able to realize this ambition alongside our privileged partner HyPrSpace for the Baguette One launch. We are convinced that the added value of our service offering will attract other players in the field." Corinne MAILLES, Deputy General Manager Telespazio France
"This innovative project aligns perfectly with CT's development strategy in the space sector. Participating as a member of the PADA1 consortium is a great satisfaction for CT, and we would like to thank France 2030. Our engineers and experts dedicated to the space sector will bring all the necessary energy and expertise to the success of the PADA1 project." David PRIETO, President CT Group
About HyPrSpace:
Founded in 2019 by a team of space-passionate engineers, HyPrSpace stands out with a patented, revolutionary hybrid propulsion method, combining the advantages of solid and liquid propellants. This major innovation breaks a technological barrier of over 50 years, providing a propulsion solution that is simple, reliable, and efficient, while reducing the environmental footprint and cost of space launches. The credibility and effectiveness of this technology have been validated by DGA and ONERA. Strongly supported by institutions such as CNES, ESA, DGA, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and the France 2030 program since the first micro-launcher call in 2022, HyPrSpace is positioning itself as a major player in space innovation in France and Europe.
About Telespazio France:
Based in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Paris, and Kourou, Telespazio France is a subsidiary of the Telespazio group, a joint venture comprising Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%). It is a key player in operations related to space infrastructure and value-added satellite space services. With over 30 years of experience and nearly 500 employees, this French subsidiary of the international group covers all essential areas of space, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation. With more than 150 people at the Guiana Space Center, Telespazio France is also the primary industrial partner of the Kourou base and ensures daily maintenance and operation of ground infrastructure facilities.
About CT:
CT is a leading technological company that provides innovation and engineering services in the aeronautical, space, naval, automotive, rail, energy and industrial plants sectors. CT pushes the boundaries of technology through innovation, raising performance to new levels throughout the entire life cycle of products, from design, manufacturing to post-sales support. With over 35 years of experience, today CT’s success is driven by more than 1,800 talented employees based in nine countries, spanning three continents. www.thectengineeringgroup.com
Contact press HyPrSpace :
Christelle Alamichel - +33 (0)6 31 09 03 83 - christelle@aplusconseils.com
Sylvain Bataillard – sb@hypr-space.com
Contact press TELESPAZIO :
Elio Baino - +33 (0)6 03 85 29 73 - elio.baino@telespazio.com
Contact press CT :
Denisa Iancu - + 34 676 835 571 dmiancu@ctingenieros.es
Stanislas Choppin - +33 (0)6 40 86 88 14 stanislas.choppin@ctingenierie.com