Vector Launch

The company's first CEO was Jim Cantrell,{{cite web |url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/08/15/vector-space-systems-lays-big-plans-tiny-rockets/ |title=Vector Space Systems Lays Out Big Plans for Tiny Rockets |first=Juliet |last=Van Wagenen |date=August 15, 2016 |publisher=Via Satellite |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911152030/http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/08/15/vector-space-systems-lays-big-plans-tiny-rockets/ |archive-date=2016-09-11 |url-status=live }} who co-founded the company with John Garvey, Shaun Coleman, Ken Sunshine, and Eric Besnard.{{cite web |url=http://qz.com/747513/the-next-big-thing-in-space-business-is-tiny-rockets/ |title=The next big thing in space business is tiny rockets |first=Tim |last=Fernholz |publisher=Quartz |date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902030138/http://qz.com/747513/the-next-big-thing-in-space-business-is-tiny-rockets/ |archive-date=2016-09-02 |url-status=live }} Cantrell had previously helped Elon Musk found SpaceX in 2001.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/this-company-believes-baby-rockets-have-a-big-future-in-space/ |last=Berger |first=Eric |title=While SpaceX eyes its "BFR," an early employee now pursues an "SFR" |publisher=Ars Technica |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=2017-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511102645/https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/04/this-company-believes-baby-rockets-have-a-big-future-in-space/ |archive-date=2017-05-11 |url-status=live }} Vector Launch, Inc. received {{USD|1 million}} in seed angel funding from entrepreneur Shaun Coleman soon after its foundation in 2016 and additionally $21 million from Sequoia Capital, Shasta Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners in June 2017.{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/26/vector-space-systems-aims-to-launch-satellites-by-the-hundreds/ |title=Vector Space Systems aims to launch satellites by the hundreds |first=Devin |last=Coldewey |publisher=TechCrunch |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915203207/https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/26/vector-space-systems-aims-to-launch-satellites-by-the-hundreds/ |archive-date=2016-09-15 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-29/spacex-vet-s-startup-readies-small-rockets-for-takeoff |title=SpaceX Vet's Startup Readies Small Rockets for Takeoff |first=Ashlee |last=Vance |author-link=Ashlee Vance |publisher=Bloomberg |date=June 29, 2017 |access-date=2017-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709080900/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-29/spacex-vet-s-startup-readies-small-rockets-for-takeoff |archive-date=2017-07-09 |url-status=live }}

It had offices in Tucson, Arizona,{{cite web |url=http://spacenews.com/vector-space-systems-plans-2018-first-flight-of-small-launch-vehicle/ |last=Foust |first=Jeff |title=Vector Space Systems plans 2018 first flight of small launch vehicle |date=July 22, 2016 |publisher=Space News}} and an engineering facility in Huntington Beach, California.{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-socal-aerospace-20160723-snap-story.html |title=Southern California's aerospace industry, long in decline, begins to stir |first=Samantha |last=Masunaga |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902150916/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-socal-aerospace-20160723-snap-story.html |archive-date=2016-09-02 |url-status=live }} In July 2016, Vector acquired Garvey Spacecraft,{{cite web |url=http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsvector-space-systems-completes-garvey-spacecraft-acquisition-4956179 |last=Hazarika |first=Mrinmoyee |title=Vector Space Systems completes Garvey Spacecraft acquisition |publisher=Aerospace Technology |date=July 21, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921180641/http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsvector-space-systems-completes-garvey-spacecraft-acquisition-4956179 |archive-date=2016-09-21 |url-status=live }} and began designing rockets based on Garvey's designs. The company was also investing in software capabilities. It had a platform called Galactic Sky, located in San Jose, California, which was developing software-defined satellites to provide start-ups and entrepreneurs with satellite capabilities.{{cite web |url=http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsvector-space-systems-launches-software-defined-satellites-business-unit-4982322 |title=Vector Space Systems launches software defined satellites business unit |last=Hazarika |first=Mrinmoyee |publisher=Aerospace Technology |date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819205035/http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsvector-space-systems-launches-software-defined-satellites-business-unit-4982322 |archive-date=2016-08-19 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Vector_Space_launches_new_software_platform_to_support_space_entrepreneurs_999.html |title=Vector Space launches new software platform to support space entrepreneurs |publisher=Space Daily |date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820194815/http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Vector_Space_launches_new_software_platform_to_support_space_entrepreneurs_999.html |archive-date=2016-08-20 |url-status=live }} In 2017, Cantrell signed a letter of intent to collaborate with his son's cryptocurrency company, called Nexus, that was attempting to develop a satellite-supported currency exchange system.{{cite web |url=http://tucson.com/business/tucson/tucson-tech-rocket-firm-surging-ahead-on-all-fronts/article_de90e345-7420-503c-814c-4980d936a58c.html |last=Wichner |first=David |title=Tucson Tech: Rocket firm surging ahead on all fronts |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=April 22, 2017 |access-date=2017-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501015111/http://tucson.com/business/tucson/tucson-tech-rocket-firm-surging-ahead-on-all-fronts/article_de90e345-7420-503c-814c-4980d936a58c.html |archive-date=2017-05-01 |url-status=live }}{{update after|2019|12|14}} In 2016 York Space Systems signed a $60 million launch deal with Vector, to launch six satellites into orbit, which was never funded.{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2016/10/17/space-startups-team-up-in-60-million-launch-deal.html |last=Avery |first=Greg |title=Space startups team up in $60 million launch deal |publisher=Denver Business Journal |date=October 17, 2016 |access-date=2017-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809042444/https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2016/10/17/space-startups-team-up-in-60-million-launch-deal.html |archive-date=2017-08-09 |url-status=live }}

By August 2016, Vector had tested hardware in suborbital flight with the launch of its P-20 prototype rocket, as well as atmospheric test flights of the Vector-R{{when|date=December 2019}} from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California and Spaceport Camden in Georgia.{{cite web |url=https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/vector-space-systems-3d-printed-a-cheap-mini-rocket-91619/ |last=Armstrong |first=Katie |title=Vector Space Systems 3D printed a cheap mini rocket |publisher=3D Printing Industry |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809054818/https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/vector-space-systems-3d-printed-a-cheap-mini-rocket-91619/ |archive-date=2017-08-09 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/3/16087390/vector-space-systems-micro-rockets-test-flight-camden-spaceport |title=Private spaceflight startup Vector pulls off second test of its micro-rocket |last=Grush |first=Loren |publisher=The Verge |date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=2018-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142549/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/3/16087390/vector-space-systems-micro-rockets-test-flight-camden-spaceport |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live }}

By 2017, Vector had announced that it planned to use the LC-46 launch site in Florida for its Vector-R rocket starting in 2018,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/vector-space-expand-launch-ranges-infrastructure-pads/ |title=Vector Space aims to expand launch ranges with minimal infrastructure pads |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |publisher=NasaSpaceflight.com |date=May 18, 2017 |access-date=2017-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518225048/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/vector-space-expand-launch-ranges-infrastructure-pads/ |archive-date=2017-05-18 |url-status=live }} but did not achieve that target date. Additionally Vector was investigating adding more minimal infrastructure launch pads either located on land in the USA using mobile semi-trailers as tank trucks and a transporter erector launcher (TEL), or to launch the rocket from barges on the ocean.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

By February 2018, the company was planning to launch the first orbital flight of the Vector-R in July 2018 from the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.{{update inline|date=October 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://spacenews.com/vector-planning-first-orbital-launch-this-summer/ |title=Vector planning first orbital launch this summer |last=Foust |first=Jeff |publisher=Space News |date=February 20, 2018}} {{asof|2017}}, the first launch of the Vector-H was expected to occur in 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/vector/vector-successfully-launches-first-smallsat-rocket/ |title=Vector Successfully Launches First Smallsat Rocket |last=Leahy |first=Bart |publisher=Spaceflight Insider |date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=2018-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142534/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/vector/vector-successfully-launches-first-smallsat-rocket/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live }}{{update after|2019|1|22|reason=Need updated as of 2019; but let's NOT lose the history of the moving plans of this company to launch their maiden flight when we update with new info}}

On August 7, 2019, the company was awarded its first U.S. Air Force mission, to launch the ASLON-45 spacecraft for $3.4 million.{{cite news |last1=Erwin |first1=Sandra |title=Vector Launch awarded its first U.S. Air Force mission |url=https://spacenews.com/vector-launch-awarded-its-first-u-s-air-force-mission/ |date=August 7, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019 |agency=SpaceNews}} However, the contract was cancelled when the US Air Force determined Vector did not meet minimum requirements for solvency.

On August 9, 2019, Cantrell left Vector Launch and John Garvey assumed the role of CEO. The future of the company was left uncertain as it reportedly faced serious financial problems.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/08/sources-say-the-rocket-company-vector-may-be-in-financial-trouble/ |title=Jim Cantrell has left Vector, and the company may be in financial trouble |work=Ars Technica |date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019}}

On December 13, 2019, Vector Launch Inc. and one affiliated company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. It was revealed that the August layoffs had been precipitated by the withdrawal of financial support by Sequoia Capital, one of the company's largest investors, which led other potential investors to back out of an upcoming funding round in a domino effect. Vector has filed a motion with the court for approval to sell its assets pursuant to Section 363 of the US bankruptcy code (a provision that allows for the orderly sale of assets from a bankrupt estate). The stalking horse bidder is Lockheed Martin.{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/vector-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/ |title=Vector files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy |work=SpaceNews |date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019}} Lockheed Martin acquired Vector's GalacticSky assets by default after a bankruptcy court received no qualified bids.{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/lockheed-to-obtain-vector-satellite-assets/ |title=Lockheed to obtain Vector satellite assets |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=February 24, 2020 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=February 25, 2020}} Another bidder acquired the remaining launch vehicle assets.

On October 29, 2020, Vector re-emerged with a new CEO to focus the company on suborbital and orbital flight.

On October 29, 2020, Robert Spalding announced that Vector Launch is "focused on suborbital, and eventually orbital flight" and is targeting both the governmental and commercial sectors.{{Cite web|title=Vector|url=https://www.vector-launch.com/|publisher=Vector}}

On January 11, 2021, Vector's remaining shareholders unanimously voted on a wind down plan.https://dm.epiq11.com/case/vectorlaunch/dockets, Docket 574-2, page 40.

On October 11, 2022, Vector announced their renewed focus on national security related missions as well as the addition of Shaun Coleman, Vector's original investor and former General Manager of GalacticSky to their new board of directors {{cite web | url=https://www.brproud.com/business/press-releases/globenewswire/8666962/vector-to-focus-on-national-security-related-missions-appoints-industry-veteran-as-cto/ | title=Vector to Focus on National Security-Related Missions, Appoints Industry Veteran as CTO | date=August 30, 2023 }}

On March 7, 2023, U.S. Rocket engine provider Ursa Major Technologies announced that they would supply several 5,000-pound thrust "Hadley" engines to power the main stage of Vector-R launch vehicles to demonstrate capabilities for future national security missions. {{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-rocket-propulsion-company-ursa-major-to-provide-engines-to-vector-launch-301763900.html | title=U.S. Rocket Propulsion Company Ursa Major to Provide Engines to Vector Launch }}

The company plans{{Cite web|title=Vector launch|url=https://twitter.com/vectorlaunch/status/1322683235860729857}} to provide launch services with two rockets, the smaller Vector-R, and the larger Vector-H. Both rockets use a single engine for their second stage and a cluster of engines (three in the Vector-R and six in the Vector-H) for their first stage, all of which use LOX and propylene as propellants.{{cite web |url=https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf |title=Vector-H Forecasted Launch Service Guide |publisher=Vector Space Systems |access-date=2018-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327213347/https://vector-launch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/VSS-2017-023-V2.0-Vector-H-Launch-Users-Guide-Rev-June-170613.pdf |archive-date=2018-03-27 |url-status=live }}

Vector planned to recover the first stage of its rockets for reuse. Other notable design features include a carbon fiber structure, some 3D printed engine parts, minimal infrastructure launch pads, and a fast launch cadence, which the company had hoped to reach 100 launches per year.{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/space-florida-vector-r-ing-new-launch-provider-cape-canaveral/ |title=Space Florida Vector R-ing in on new launch provider from Cape Canaveral |last=Rhian |first=Jason |publisher=Spaceflight Insider |date=March 27, 2017 |access-date=2018-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144225/http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/space-florida-vector-r-ing-new-launch-provider-cape-canaveral/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live }} The first client of Vector was Iceye, a company in Finland.{{cite web |url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/08/04/vector-space-systems-wins-21-launch-agreement-iceye/ |title=Vector Space Systems Wins 21-Launch Agreement from Iceye |first=Caleb |last=Henry |date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=Via Satellite |access-date=2016-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911151449/http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2016/08/04/vector-space-systems-wins-21-launch-agreement-iceye/ |archive-date=2016-09-11 |url-status=live }}

Vector developed a patented{{Cite web|url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=vector+launch&FIELD1=ASNM&co1=AND&TERM2=&FIELD2=&d=PTXT|title=Patent Database Search Results: AN/"vector launch" in US Patent Collection|website=patft.uspto.gov}} software-defined satellite operating system called GalacticSky so that its planned micro-satellites can run different applications. Managed by Vector's initial investor and co-founder Shaun Coleman{{Cite web|url=https://www.intelligent-aerospace.com/satcom/article/16538670/vector-space-launches-galactic-sky-software-platform-and-satellite-design-division-to-provide-access-to-satellites-space-data|title=StackPath|website=www.intelligent-aerospace.com|date=August 18, 2016 }} GalacticSky was intended to allow customers to quickly test software applications for satellites without having to develop their own hardware.{{cite web |url=https://qz.com/819019/space-companies-like-vector-york-moon-express-and-even-united-launch-alliance-are-betting-on-an-app-store-model-for-the-space-business/ |title=The space industry's new bet: putting an "app store" in orbit |last=Fernholz |first=Tim |publisher=Quartz |date=October 26, 2018 |access-date=2018-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143356/https://qz.com/819019/space-companies-like-vector-york-moon-express-and-even-united-launch-alliance-are-betting-on-an-app-store-model-for-the-space-business/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live}} Over 40 patents were issued for GalacticSky and its capabilities {{cite web | url=https://patents.justia.com/assignee/vector-launch-inc | title=Patents Assigned to Vector Launch Inc. - Justia Patents Search }} Following a lawsuit filed by Vector against Lockheed Martin for violating GalacticSky patents{{Cite web|url=https://tucson.com/business/tucson-tech-vector-sues-aerospace-giant-lockheed-over-mini-satellite-tech/article_33735379-9224-5fe3-b97a-882963453016.html|title=Tucson Tech: Vector sues aerospace giant Lockheed over mini-satellite tech|first=David|last=Wichner|website=Arizona Daily Star|date=April 13, 2019 }}{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/vector-isnt-eager-for-legal-fight-with-lockheed-martin/|title=Vector isn't eager for legal fight with Lockheed Martin|date=April 10, 2019|website=SpaceNews.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/06/13/jefferson-county-lockheed-martin-vector-launch-patent-infringement-lawsuit-satellite-technology/|title=Satellite Startup Launches Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Lockheed|date=June 13, 2019}} and Vector's bankruptcy, Lockheed Martin expressed interest in acquiring GalacticSky for $2.5 million, assuming no higher bidder appears.

Several members of the former GalacticSky team including the primary author of many of its patents and a Vector co-founder, chief sales/marketing officer and SVP/general manager of GalacticSky, Shaun Coleman,{{Cite web|url=https://vmblog.com/archive/2017/05/01/vector-and-citrix-to-bring-virtualization-software-technology-to-micro-satellites.aspx#.XlC3JBNKjx4|title=Vector and Citrix to Bring Virtualization Software Technology to Micro Satellites: @VMblog|website=vmblog.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.everythingrf.com/News/details/7916-Vector-Launches-the-World-s-First-Software-Defined-Satellite|title=Vector Launches the World's First Software Defined Satellite}} former GalacticSky VP of engineering John Metzger, former Vector chief revenue officer, and Lockheed VP of Advanced programs{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/robert-cleave-named-vp-for-lockheed-martin-commercial-space/|title=Robert Cleave Named VP for Lockheed Commercial Space|date=February 12, 2015|website=SpaceNews.com}} Robert Cleave{{Cite web|url=https://www.govconwire.com/2019/01/lockheed-vet-robert-cleave-joins-space-firm-vector-as-chief-revenue-officer/|title=Lockheed Vet Robert Cleave Joins Space Firm Vector as Chief Revenue Officer|date=January 14, 2019 }} have since founded NewSpace Networks,[http://www.newspacenetworks.com NewSpace Networks] a company focused on extending the cloud and making satellite networks more efficient.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspacenetworks.com/|title=Home - NewSpace Networks|website=NewSpace Networks}}{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newspace-networks-raising-200m-sets-sights-on-space-ecosystem-301003109.html|title=NewSpace Networks Raising $200M Sets Sights On Space Ecosystem|first=NewSpace|last=Networks|website=www.prnewswire.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/company-transform-space-industry-software-c96923a4-6f02-4693-a4b5-d8e8d456d440.html|title=NewSpace Networks aims to make data collection and communication from space more efficient|first=Miriam|last=Kramer|website=Axios|date=February 11, 2020 }} NewSpace Networks intends to bid for the GalacticSky assets against Lockheed Martin.{{Cite web|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/02/space-software-startup-to-pursue-sda-contracts/|title=Space Software Startup To Pursue SDA Contracts|first=Theresa|last=Hitchens|date=February 11, 2020 }} Ultimately the GalacticSky technology was acquired by Lockheed Martin.{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/lockheed-to-obtain-vector-satellite-assets/ | title=Lockheed to obtain Vector satellite assets | date=February 24, 2020 }}

• {{annotated link|Firefly Aerospace}}
• {{annotated link|PLD Space}}
• {{annotated link|Relativity Space}}
• {{annotated link|Rocket Lab}}
• bluShift Aerospace

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://vector-launch.com/}}

Category:Aerospace companies of the United States

Category:Commercial launch service providers

Category:Defunct spaceflight companies

Category:Companies based in Tucson, Arizona

Category:Technology companies established in 2016

Category:2016 establishments in Arizona

Category:American companies established in 2016

Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019