{"id":"f-91677779fp1-db87df69-87fc-5007-8379-f891fb60c483","title":"Phantom Space Reacquires Vector Launch Technology, Accelerating Rocket Development","description":"This article details the acquisition of former Vector Launch assets by Phantom Space, a company co-founded by a former Vector architect. Learn how these reclaimed technologies are being integrated into Phantom's Daytona rocket program, aiming to reduce development risks and expedite orbital capabilities.","timestamp":1772374980,"category":"technology","headline":"Phantom Space Reacquires Vector Launch Technology, Accelerating Rocket Development","modifiedHeadline":"Phantom Space Boosts Rocket Development","subCategories":["scid_a90e78c8"],"subcategoriesName":["Innovation"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"1c3f10c0-5114-4a62-9240-042ffde60004","bundleTitle":"Trending now","cardData":null},"fcSummary":"Phantom Space acquired key launch technology from the now-defunct Vector Launch, a move spearheaded by co-founder Jim Cantrell. this acquisition, bringing back design elements and engineering data, will accelerate the development of Phantom's Daytona rocket, designed to carry 500kg payloads. the company aims for its first rocket flight and satellite deployment by late 2027, furthering its vertically integrated space solutions.","summary":"Phantom Space reacquires Vector Launch tech, accelerating Daytona rocket development & orbital access. A strategic move for faster progress.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-db87df69-87fc-5007-8379-f891fb60c483","sourceUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-db87df69-87fc-5007-8379-f891fb60c483","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/ohZJg4tfkwt0.webp","content":"

\n Discover how reclaimed launch technology from a past venture is fueling a new company's ambitions, promising faster development and enhanced orbital access.\n

A Return of Assets

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A significant development in the small rocket sector sees Phantom Space, a satellite and rocket developer based in Tucson, Arizona, acquiring key launch

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technology that was once part of Vector Launch. This acquisition brings back design elements, engineering data, and other technological components that were initially developed for Vector. The company, co-founded by Jim Cantrell in 2019 after his departure from Vector due to its financial challenges, announced this significant move on February 26th. While the specific financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the acquisition is particularly meaningful for Cantrell, who was an original architect of Vector's vision. He expressed that bringing these assets 'home' to Phantom is not merely a transaction but a strategic step to accelerate their own rocket development program, specifically their Daytona vehicle.

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Boosting Daytona's Trajectory

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The integration of these reacquired Vector assets into Phantom Space's Daytona vehicle architecture is a primary objective, aimed at mitigating development risks. Phantom Space has indicated that these flight-proven design elements and engineering data will be immediately incorporated, streamlining the path towards orbital capability. The Daytona rocket is being designed to accommodate payloads with a maximum mass of 500 kilograms, positioning it for a significant role in the small satellite launch market. The company has been actively progressing with its development, reporting successful hot-fire tests of Daytona's propulsion assemblies. They are now preparing for stage-level testing later this year, a crucial milestone that indicates the program is on a strong trajectory. This strategic acquisition is expected to not only accelerate the Daytona project but also foster high-tech aerospace employment in Tucson.

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A Legacy Reimagined

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Before its eventual bankruptcy and the subsequent sale of its assets in May 2020 for $1.175 million to a consortium led by Moran Logistics, Vector had secured over $100 million in funding. Their ambition was to create a suite of small launch vehicles, including the Vector-R, which was intended to carry approximately 60 kilograms into low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin independently purchased Vector's GalacticSky software-defined spacecraft technology for $4.25 million. Phantom Space, having raised $37 million as of March 2024, is not only focused on launching rockets like Daytona but also on developing its own satellites. Their vision includes a vertically integrated platform for satellite manufacturing and an in-orbit data-backhaul service called Phantom Cloud, further demonstrating a comprehensive approach to space-based solutions. This acquisition represents a strategic repurposing of previously developed technology, aiming for greater success in the evolving space industry.

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Future Orbit Plans

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Phantom Space is charting an ambitious course for the future, with its first rocket flight and satellite deployment tentatively scheduled for the latter half of 2027. This timeline is underpinned by their multifaceted strategy that encompasses both launch vehicle development and satellite operations. The company is actively building partnerships to support its endeavors; for instance, a collaboration announced in June 2024 with Assured Space Access, based in Chandler, Arizona, will see the latter provide essential radio frequency communications payloads for Phantom's planned 66-satellite Phantom Cloud constellation. This constellation is intended to provide a robust data-backhaul service from orbit. By integrating the acquired Vector technologies into their Daytona rocket, Phantom Space aims to accelerate its journey towards operational capability, positioning itself to offer comprehensive space services, from launch to data relay.

\n","readDurationInMinutes":"8","author":{"name":"Feedpost Specials","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/jpeg/d7fdd6b5-4bee-4287-ab8a-8958c18b6f7c.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[],"pointerSummary":["Phantom Space acquired Vector Launch tech, accelerating Daytona rocket development.","The deal brings back design elements & data; Daytona will carry 500kg payloads.","Phantom Space aims for first rocket launch by late 2027, building a satellite network."],"tags":["PhantomSpace","VectorLaunch","RocketDevelopment","DaytonaRocket","SmallSatellites","SpaceIndustry","JimCantrell","TucsonAerospace","OrbitalLaunch","SpaceTechnology","PhantomCloud","SatelliteConstellation","AerospaceAcquisition","LaunchVehicles","SpaceInnovation"],"redirectionEnabled":false,"consent":true}

Phantom Space Reacquires Vector Launch Technology, Accelerating Rocket Development

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