Orbion Space Technology told SpaceDaily that it has formed a partnership with Xplore Inc to provide "Space As A Service". Orbion will build and deliver its plasma propulsion system to Xplore over the next six years. By innovating the manufacturing process to achieve new high-volume production standards, Orbion and Xplore will deliver the efficiency and affordability necessary to accelerate launch cadence for deep space exploration. This partnership comes on the heels of Xplore announcing its plans to commercialize the inner solar system, for which the company has been rigorously developing its platform and multi-mission Xcraft - an ESPA-class space vehicle, whose first Moon Xpedition is planned for 2021. The Xcraft is exquisitely designed for space travel, and Orbion's Aurora Hall-effect propulsion system will be key to sending orbital missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond. Both Orbion and Xplore are implementing unique, end-to-end manufacturing techniques into their production models to reduce cost and development times while preserving the high reliability needed for challenging deep space missions. The manufacturing techniques integrate assembly-line production and robotic acceptance testing perfected in high-volume production environments. This concerted approach will unlock unprecedented levels of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in producing and launching space missions to Earth orbit and beyond.
Xplore's commercial model for space provides increased flight opportunities to destinations in the inner solar system.
Lisa Rich, Founder and COO of Xplore Inc., said, "Together with Orbion, we share the strategic vision of introducing efficiencies, modularity, repeatability, and high-quality manufacturing processes wherever possible to consistently and reliably produce our high-performance Xcraft. We will fly at an increased cadence to meet and exceed the demands of our growing customer base."
"Private launch companies such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab have shown that they can carry spacecraft on the 300-mile journey from Earth to orbit for a fraction of the cost of legacy rockets - opening space up for business.
"Orbion's plasma thrusters can take over from there and transport Xplore's spacecraft through the 'last 20 million miles' to their destination," said Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology. "We are honored that Xplore has put their trust in our technology for this demanding and exciting journey."
Lisa Rich, Founder and COO of Xplore Inc., said, "Together with Orbion, we share the strategic vision of introducing efficiencies, modularity, repeatability, and high-quality manufacturing processes wherever possible to consistently and reliably produce our high-performance Xcraft. We will fly at an increased cadence to meet and exceed the demands of our growing customer base."
"Private launch companies such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab have shown that they can carry spacecraft on the 300-mile journey from Earth to orbit for a fraction of the cost of legacy rockets - opening space up for business.
"Orbion's plasma thrusters can take over from there and transport Xplore's spacecraft through the 'last 20 million miles' to their destination," said Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology. "We are honored that Xplore has put their trust in our technology for this demanding and exciting journey."
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