Moog’s SL-OMV vehicle to be launched to space as part of UK Spaceflight Programme

SL-OMV ready to deploy six payloads to their optimal orbits
Photo by Moog Unna GmbH

Moog Space and Defense Group in partnership with Lockheed Martin and the UK Space Agency (UKSA), has announced the first scheduled launch of its Small Launch Orbital Manoeuvring Vehicle (SL-OMV) as part of the UK Spaceflight Programme. The SL-OMV’s maiden voyage will launch in the early 2020s from the UK’s first commercial spaceport at the Sutherland site in Melness, Scotland. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for UKSA’s Spaceflight Programme, is the launch provider responsible for payload integration and launch service. The Moog operation in Reading, UK will perform final integration and test of the SL-OMV while leveraging the local supply chain.

“Moog is delighted to participate in this historic project that will bring orbital launch capability to the UK and enable small satellites access to space all while creating high tech jobs here in the UK,” explains Maureen Athoe, President of the Moog Space and Defense Group. “The SL-OMV is the newest addition to our family of Orbital Manoeuvring Vehicles, which are game changers for the space industry by delivering small spacecraft to their optimal orbit at an affordable price.”

The SL-OMV is a lightweight and low-cost propulsive adapter that distributes small satellites and cubesats. The SL-OMV provides the ability to deploy multiple payloads to different orbits. The system features composite structures, standard cubesat interfaces and a green propulsion system enabling launches from spaceports and other facilities that do not have hazardous payload processing capabilities. This spacecraft will advance commercial spaceflight by increasing the quality and availability of data for small satellite missions.

Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, wind energy, marine and medical equipment.

For more information, please visit http://www.moog.com.

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