D-Orbit's ION vehicles launch with groundbreaking space missions aboard

D-Orbit successfully launched two ION orbital transfer vehicles on 26 November 2022. The mission was part of SpaceX’s Transporter-15 rideshare from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The vehicles carried multiple payloads destined for a 510-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit. The ION vehicles transported satellites and hosted payloads for various organisations. Among them was Italy’s first optical intersatellite link mission, designed to enhance satellite communications. Other payloads included Aalto University’s Foresail-1 cubesat, which will monitor Earth’s radiation environment and test deorbiting technologies.

The mission also featured innovative demonstrations. Pale Blue tested a compact gridded ion engine using water as propellant. Spaceium showcased robotic actuators for in-orbit fuel transfer. Additionally, StardustMe sent one-gram capsules of cremated human remains into orbit as a symbolic hosted payload.

The AI-eXpress mission, co-funded by ESA InCubed, provided on-orbit software services and data processing for a space-based app store. Spire and Lacuna Space contributed four internet-of-things satellites aimed at delivering low-cost, global connectivity to sensors and mobile equipment in remote areas. The ION missions focused on satellite communications, Earth observation, and technology demonstrations. The payloads and experiments onboard highlight advancements in space-based services and in-orbit capabilities. The launch marked another step in expanding commercial and scientific activities in low Earth orbit.