Astraius

Astraius is a UK-based air-launch company focused on providing dedicated and responsive launch services for small to mid-sized satellites. Utilizing a Boeing C-17 carrier aircraft and operating from Prestwick Spaceport in Scotland, Astraius offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional vertical launch options. The company’s core offering centers around its Hera II rocket, capable of delivering payloads of up to 800kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Astraius differentiates itself by emphasizing responsiveness and orbital flexibility. The air-launch system allows for launches from optimal geographic locations, enabling direct insertion of customer payloads into their desired orbit – a key benefit for missions with specific orbital requirements. This approach aims to simplify the launch process and reduce lead times compared to fixed launch site scheduling.

Currently, specific mission details or customer lists are not publicly available. However, Astraius positions itself as a provider of simplified, reliable, and affordable access to space, targeting a growing market for small and medium satellite constellations.

The company’s business model centers on providing dedicated launches, meaning a single rocket delivers a customer’s payload, rather than sharing a ride with other satellites – a service increasingly valued by organizations needing precise control over launch timing and orbital parameters.