May, 2026
Exolaunch Successfully Deploys 41 Satellites on CAS500-2 Rideshare Mission with SpaceX
Through a flawless deployment aboard Falcon 9 Exolaunch expands launch access beyond Transporter and Bandwagon programs for global satellite operators, successfully qualifies its new microsat separation ring CarboNIX NEO 24”
Image © SpaceX
Berlin, Germany — May 3, 2026 — Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment services, today announced the successful deployment of 41 customer satellites (20 microsatellites and 21 cubesats) out of 45 satellites flying on the CAS500-2 rideshare mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Lift-off occurred from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:00 am CET. This 47th mission exemplifies efficient, cost-effective access to space leveraging a decade of expertise and flight-proven deployment technology.
Following precise separation sequences, all satellites were successfully deployed into their target orbit using Exolaunch's proven portfolio of deployment hardware, including:
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CarboNIX separation rings in multiple sizes for precise and shock-free microsatellite separation;
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CarboNIX NEO 24” separation ring featuring a stronger and stiffer clamp ring design capable of withstanding higher loads, for satellites up to 1,400 kg;
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Quadro Arrow four-point microsatellite separation systems for synchronized low tip-off deployments;
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EXOpod Nova deployers for standard and high-volume, high-mass cubesats.
Image © SpaceX
“This successful mission highlights how Exolaunch continues to expand launch access for our customers while maintaining precision and reliability at scale,” said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Investor Relations Officer at Exolaunch. “By supporting additional rideshare opportunities with SpaceX alongside established programs like Transporter and Bandwagon, we help satellite operators reach orbit faster and with greater flexibility.”
Exolaunch provided end-to-end launch mission management, including launch capacity procurement with Falcon 9, coordination of all contractual and technical deliverables, logistics and customs clearance services, launch campaign operations and satellite integration with the launch vehicle at Vandenberg Space Force Base, flight-proven deployment technologies and satellite deployment into the target orbit, to a variety of new and existing customers on this mission. Exolaunch manifested the following spacecraft on the CAS500-2 mission:
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Two ICEYE satellites for ICEYE (Finland)
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Eycore-1 for Eycore (Poland)
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JEN-1 for OrbAstro (UK)
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BSLT-3 for Basalt Technologies Corp (USA)
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Gemini-Pollux for National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan)
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NuLink-1 and NuLink-2 for NuSpace (Singapore)
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SNAPPY for Wichita State University (USA)
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FrontierSat for University of Calgary (Canada)
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Raven for TALOS (Germany)
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BRO-21 for Unseenlabs (France)
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PEARL-1A AND PEARL-1B for National Central University Taiwan and Foxconn (Taiwan)
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Balkan-2 for EnduroSat (Bulgaria)
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BusanSat for Nara Space (South Korea)
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HSD-HELIOS and HSD-HELIOS for EMTECH (Greece)
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FOREST-16, FOREST-17, FOREST-18 and FOREST-19 for OroraTech (Germany)
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QUBE-II for the QUBE-II consortium (OHB System AG, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Center for Telematics (ZFT) Würzburg, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg) (Germany) via Kongsberg NanoAvionics (Lithuania)
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HYDRA-3 for Aistech Space (Spain) via EnduroSat (Bulgaria)
Image © SpaceX
Exolaunch provided satellite deployment and integration services for the following satellites:
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JACKAL AUTONOMOUS ORBITAL VEHICLE for True Anomaly (USA)
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Six LOFT-EARTHDAILY satellites for Loft Orbital (USA) and EarthDaily (Canada)
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Three PELICAN satellites for Planet (USA)
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Seven HEO satellites for Argotec (Italy)
Image © SpaceX
The CAS500-2 mission is part of a busy launch manifest for Exolaunch throughout 2026, including the recent SpaceX Transporter-16 mission, the upcoming Isar Aerospace “Onward and Upward” mission with Spectrum, and 20 more other launch campaigns. As launch cadence increases globally, Exolaunch continues scaling its operational infrastructure to meet rising demand for satellite launch, integration and deployment services.
“Our customers need consistent execution and adaptable launch pathways as constellation timelines accelerate,” said Kier Fortier, Chief Revenue Officer at Exolaunch. “This mission demonstrates how Exolaunch enables reliable deployment across diverse launch opportunities while deepening our collaboration with SpaceX.”
Image © SpaceX
About Exolaunch
Exolaunch is a global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration and satellite deployment technologies. With a decade of flight heritage and 790 satellites launched across 47 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 satellite separation systems and payload launch stacks, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market.
Exolaunch, headquartered in Germany, operates globally with offices in the U.S., France, and Japan. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all.
For more information, please visit www.exolaunch.com
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]
Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/exolaunch
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