Leo Aerospace

About the offering

The emerging small satellite economy is hindered by a single outstanding problem: Access to space. To address this problem and realize the incredible potential in this market, Leo Aerospace is developing a rockoon: a rocket launched from a high-altitude balloon. Microsatellites, smaller than a microwave, are the key to unlocking the future of the small satellite economy. After speaking with over 160 board members, executives, and engineers throughout the small satellite ecosystem, we learned the primary obstacle to success in this market is launching to space. Microsatellite developers—whether they are established companies, researchers, or independent interest groups—are impacted by the current launch market. They are constrained to rideshare on large launch vehicles, meaning they cannot choose to which orbit their satellite is delivered. Furthermore, these launches are delayed on average by 6 months. Speaking to executives of small satellite companies, this has devastating consequences on their business models which rely on timely operation of satellites. There is a plethora of other technical issues faced by these satellite developers such as launch frequency, pricing, and launch availability, but everything can be represented as a symptom of a larger ailment: The Microsatellite Launch Problem Is Being Approached With A Big Satellite Mindset.

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