SpaceX introduces bandwagon rideshares for potential commercial space travel

SpaceX introduces bandwagon rideshares, addressing the growing demand for mid-inclination orbits, marking a pioneering step in accessible space exploration

Addressing attendees at the 37th Annual Small Satellite Conference on August 9, Jarrod McLachlan, SpaceX’s Director of Rideshare Sales, announced the commencement of a novel series of missions named “Bandwagon.” 

This endeavor aims to supplement their existing Transporter line of rideshare missions, signifying another chapter in space exploration and development for humanity.

This development is proving even more significant, as the first tourism space mission took place recently.

Targeting the second most requested orbit

In response to the rising interest in mid-inclination orbits, the Bandwagon missions are primed to deploy payloads within altitudes ranging from 550 to 605 kilometers, accompanied by inclinations of approximately 45 degrees.

McLachlan highlights this strategic move as a response to the second most frequently inquired about orbital trajectory. By addressing this demand, SpaceX seeks to establish a new frontier of inaccessible space exploration.

Bandwagon rideshares to revolutionise space access

Scheduled to commence in April and November of 2024, as well as in February and May of 2025, the Bandwagon missions are poised to revolutionise space accessibility. 

These launches will be conducted alongside the ongoing Transporter missions, which have been operational since 2021, predominantly targeting sun-synchronous orbits. Through these combined efforts, SpaceX is poised to redefine the boundaries of space exploration and research.

A new era for space exploration

SpaceX’s monumental strides in the rideshare domain have solidified its position as the premier provider of such services. Having facilitated the launch of an impressive 682 spacecraft through its rideshare program, the majority, 664 to be precise, have been directed towards sun-synchronous orbits. 

In pursuit of constant evolution, the company has transitioned to a modular “rideshare plate” system, streamlining engineering processes and bolstering payload capacity.

Moreover, with pricing set at $5,500 per kilogram, SpaceX offers an increasingly attractive proposition, albeit with a yearly price escalation of $500 per kilogram.

McLachlan emphasises that clients can secure a more favorable rate by opting for full payment upon contract signing, ensuring long-term value even for missions scheduled years ahead.

An unwavering commitment to propelling humanity’s reach into the cosmos

Inaugurating a new era in space exploration, SpaceX’s Bandwagon rideshare missions exemplify the company’s unwavering commitment to propelling humanity’s reach into the cosmos. As these missions come to fruition, they mark the inception of the first tourism rideshare mission, heralding a brighter future for accessible and innovative space travel.