BREMEN, Germany -- German launch services provider Exolaunch has announced plans to utilize its new Exotube adapter for six constellation launches set to begin in 2026.
Exotube, showcased at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, serves as a universal modular adapter designed for the integration, launch, and deployment of spacecraft, accommodating everything from cubesats to satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms. The adapter aims to enhance flexibility and efficiency in satellite launch operations.
The inaugural launch of Exotube is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, utilizing an American medium or heavy-lift launcher. Six launches have already been contracted for a constellation customer.
Featuring a hexagonal base with a cubic upper structure, Exotube includes cameras for capturing images and videos during satellite separation. It is designed to be compatible with various launch vehicles, accommodating small, medium, and heavy-lift classes, as explained by Connor Pollock, mission director at Exolaunch.
“Exotube represents a significant advancement for us,” Pollock stated. “It prepares us to eventually secure launches as a primary customer, acting as a major enabler.”
Pollock noted that while Exolaunch is experiencing success with the SpaceX transporter program, the demand for small satellite launches continues to exceed supply. “All missions for the next two years on Transporter are fully booked,” he added.
Exotube is expected to facilitate easier access for customers to various launch vehicles, minimizing wasted capacity through a secondary rideshare option.
Initially, Exotube will be constructed from aluminum, which Pollock described as advantageous for its speed and cost-effectiveness. “Aluminum allows for rapid design changes with new interfaces for different customers,” he explained. However, he acknowledged aluminum's weight, noting that a lightweight carbon fiber hex structure is also under development for constellation deployments.
Exolaunch, established in 2011, has successfully conducted over 400 satellite deployments across 30 missions, serving clients from more than 40 countries.