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Portal Space Systems has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch the first Supernova vehicle in 2028 aboard a Falcon 9, with excess capacity available for other satellite payloads. Maverick Space Systems will coordinate and integrate those payloads into the mission, whose primary objective is to test Supernova’s orbital maneuvering capabilities.
SEOPS announced the Waymaker-1 mission to launch payloads into a mid-inclination orbit in early 2028, following increased demand for the Waymaker-2 mission planned for a sun-synchronous orbit late the same year. The company is thereby repurposing a mission originally intended for a rideshare launch to geostationary transfer orbit.
Satellite operators are rushing to reserve launch flights through 2028, despite uncertainty over the schedules of some vehicles, amid capacity constraints and concerns about cuts to rideshare programs. AST SpaceMobile says it has booked enough launches to complete its initial constellation, but the return of New Glenn and the availability of other alternatives remain decisive factors.