HyPrSpace, in partnership with Telespazio France and CT Ingénierie, secures a new funding of €35 millions for the PADA1 project within the framework of the France 2030 call for mini and micro-launcher development.

12 Dec 2023

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, CEO of CT Group.